You can now watch all NPFL matches Live: https://www.africasport.net/npfl/home/
Nigeria’s U17 girls, affectionately known as the Flamingos, are gearing up for a crucial encounter as they prepare to depart for Bamako, the capital of Mali. Their journey is in anticipation of Saturday’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup African qualification series third-round, first-leg match against Burkina Faso. The Flamingos have maintained an impressive track record in the competition since its inception in New Zealand in 2008, missing out on only one edition (Uruguay 2018). With their eyes set on securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup, they are determined to secure a resounding victory in Bamako.
Despite their recent 9-1 victory in a preparatory game, Head Coach Bankole Olowookere emphasized the importance of translating their training efforts into successful performances on the field. He stressed the need for the players to capitalize on every opportunity during matches, recognizing the distinction between training sessions and competitive game situations. This mindset is crucial as they approach the challenging qualification series against Burkina Faso.
In a notable development, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a change to the match officials for Saturday’s encounter at the Stade 26 March in Bamako. Originally slated to officiate as the fourth official, Joselyn Nsabimana from Burundi has been replaced by Teneba Bagayoko from Mali. This adjustment underscores the meticulous preparation and attention to detail leading up to the match, ensuring that all aspects are optimized for a fair and efficient competition.
The appointment of Teneba Bagayoko as the fourth official adds a local dimension to the officiating team, bringing in a wealth of experience and familiarity with the Malian football landscape. This decision reflects CAF’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the officiating crew, ensuring a smooth and credible execution of the match proceedings.
Additionally, Oumou Souleyman Kane from Mauritania and Aya Irene Ahoua from Cote d’Ivoire have been retained as commissioner and referee assessor, respectively. Their roles are integral to overseeing and evaluating the match proceedings, further enhancing the overall quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
As the Flamingos embark on their journey to Bamako, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of the nation, determined to deliver a stellar performance and secure a favorable result. With meticulous planning, strategic preparations, and a formidable lineup of match officials, the stage is set for an enthralling showdown between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
ADD A COMMENT :