Buruj FC CEO, Waheed Salaudeen, was thrilled by the performance of the Nigeria U17 Women National Team, Flamingos and has congratulated the coach of the team, Bankole Olowookere, for a job well done as Nigeria defeated New Zealand with ease by 4-1 in the opening game of the FIFA U17 Women World Cup, which started in Dominican Republic on Wednesday.
The respected talent hunter, Waheed Salaudeen, after the match said he loved the confidence and work rate displayed by the team, hinting that it showed the amount of work put in by the coaching crew led Bankole Olowookere, whom he revealed had once coached and won laurels for Buruj Football Academy and Buruj Football Club.
“I am thrilled and happy that the girls are starting on such a great note. Apart from winning convincingly, their performance was a great one.”
“Their confidence level and work rate was delightful and it showed the amount of work the coach, Bankole Olowookere and his crew has done on the team.”
The football administrator expressed confidence in the ability of the coaching crew and believes the team has what it takes to go all the way.
“I knew what Olowookere can do having worked with him from close range before. During his time with us at Buruj Football Club and Buruj Football Academy some years back, his discipline and tactical acumen impacted on the team as he won the 2018 Manchester Cup in the men category and the Manchester Cup in the youth category with the club.”
“The girls just need to stay focused and build on the success of the game. They have what it takes to go all the way, and with Bankole Olowookere in charge of the team.”
“Kudos to the NFF for retaining him on the job after the Bronze medal final at the 2022 edition in India. I believe they can do better this time”, Waheed concluded.
Nigeria eased to a 4-1 victory over New Zealand at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, which was played on Wednesday evening in Santiago De Los Caballeros.
Shakirat Moshood opened scoring for Nigeria in less than 80 seconds of action to lay down the intention of the Nigeria girls.
The Nigeria team turned their total midfield dominance into further goals from defender Taiwo Adegoke’s outside of the box shot, which was parried into the net by the New Zealand goalkeeper.
Abdulwahab got the third goal before the end of the first half before team captain, Afolabi got the fourth just after restart of the game.
New Zealand got a consolation in the 60th minute as the Flamingos ran away with the maximum three points.
Nigeria’s next game at the FIFA U17 Women World Cup is against debutant, Ecuador on Saturday.