India 2022: Gusau charges Flamingos ahead N’Zealand clash

President, Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has challenged the Flamingos to put their defeat to Germany behind them and go all out for three points when they tackle New Zealand in their second group game at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in India on Friday (today).

Bankole Olowookere’s side took the lead against European champions Germany on Tuesday, but fell to two second half goals, which placed them in a dicey situation ahead of their remaining Group B encounters against New Zealand and Chile.

“I spoke to the girls after the match against Germany to cheer them up. And I have spoken to them and their officials today for them to appreciate the enormity of the task before them, because the NFF and indeed, all Nigerians, want them to proceed to the knock-out stages. They must work hard at converting their opportunities. They must play to their strengths and do the best they can to emasculate the opposition,” Gusau stated.

“A good win against New Zealand will be a great confidence-booster for the team going into the crunch encounter with Chile on Monday.”

New Zealand also lost their first game of the tournament 3-1 against Chile.

New Zealand will not be easy opponents, as the girls from Down Under grabbed the bronze medals at the 2018 edition in Uruguay – the only finals Nigeria have missed in the history of the tournament.

Incidentally, New Zealand hosted the very first edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup on 2008.

The encounter kicks off 12.30pm Nigerian time.