We struggled to play our game against Germany - Bankole Olowookere

Nigeria’s flamingoes are upbeat about bouncing back to winning ways after a 2-1 opening loss to Germany at the ongoing Under 17 women’s world cup in India.

The head coach Bankole Olowookere who ascribed the opening defeat to loss of concentration said his team give a good account of themselves against New Zealand on Friday.

“At a time we were forced to play their pattern. We should be playing on the ground, but we joined them in playing long balls and we really come back to our game, but we should have stamped our authority in the game”,

“We didn’t plan to lose this game, yes football is about winning, drawing, or losing, but against New Zealand, we’ll try to win, we’ll work hard and correct all the mistakes. Because we need to win to keep ourselves in the tournament,

“We’ll talk to the girls and try to lift their spirit so they can be ready for the other games”, he said after the game.

The Nigerian girls suffered a 2-1 defeat against Germany at the Pandit Jawaharlal Stadium, Goa.

The Flamingos took the lead from a free-kick on the half-hour mark through Miracle Usani.

The Europeans however rallied back scoring through Svea Stold and Mara Alber to win the tie.

The Flamingos are third in the Group, adrift in Chile and Germany.