Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has charged Nigeria’s U-17 girls team, the Flamingos, to remain united, disciplined, and determined as they prepare to represent the country at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The team arrived safely in Casablanca on Wednesday after a four-hour, twenty-minute flight from Abuja, ahead of the global tournament which kicks off on October 17.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Flamingos met the former Inter Milan and AC Milan star, who offered them words of encouragement and a heartfelt prayer for victory.
“Be very disciplined. I will be watching you wherever I am, and I will be praying for you. I believe that you will carry the cup back to Nigeria. Just as your elder sisters did a few months ago, you will also carry that cup,” Taribo said.
He urged the players to emulate and surpass the achievements of the Super Falcons, who lifted the WAFCON title in July, stressing that success begins with discipline and obedience to instructions.
“Be very attentive to the instructions of your coaches,” he advised.
“I played professional football for 30 years. Where I am today, one of my ex-managers invited me to France because of the relationship, the discipline, and the mindset I had.”
Taribo also cautioned the young players against external distractions during matches, reminding them that listening to their coaches is key to their performance and success.
“Whatever the coach says, play it. Do not listen to the crowd. If you listen to the crowd, the crowd will take you out. But if you listen to the coach, even the coach will like you and want you to play,” he added.
Concluding his message, the fiery ex-defender prayed for the team’s success, urging them to rely on teamwork and mutual support.
“God will give you grace. What you desire, you will achieve. If the coach does not play you, bless the one who plays. Pray for the one who plays. As you are doing that, there will be a certain kind of strength, togetherness, and incredible performance that will come upon the team.”
The Flamingos, currently lodged at the Ibis Hotel in Casablanca, held a light training session on Wednesday evening. During their stay, they are scheduled to play two friendly matches against New Zealand and Paraguay before heading to Marrakesh for the start of their World Cup campaign.
Nigeria is drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. The team heads into the tournament brimming with confidence after winning all ten preparatory matches, scoring 44 goals without conceding any.
