Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has charged Nigeria’s U-17 girls, the Flamingos, to stay united, disciplined, and determined as they prepare to compete at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The team arrived safely in Casablanca on Wednesday ahead of the global tournament, which kicks off on October 17 after a four-hour, twenty-minute flight to Casablanca.
At the airport in Abuja, the Flamingos met Taribo West, who used the opportunity to share words of encouragement and offer a heartfelt prayer for the team’s success.
The former Inter Milan defender, known for his passionate faith, urged the girls to emulate and surpass the success of the Super Falcons who won the WAFCON title in July.
“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,” he said.
He reminded the players of the importance of respecting instructions and maintaining self-control both on and off the pitch, noting that professionalism begins with discipline.
“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.”
Encouraging the players to remain focused, Taribo warned them not to be distracted by external pressure during matches.
“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.
He concluded his address, urging the girls to rely on teamwork and discipline if they hope to lift the World Cup trophy.
“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, force, and incredible performance that will come upon the team.”
The Flamingos are currently lodged at Ibis Hotel in Casablanca and held a light training session on Wednesday evening. During their stay, they will play two friendly matches against New Zealand and Paraguay before heading to Marrakesh, where they will begin their World Cup campaign.
Nigeria are drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. The team will head into the tournament full of confidence after winning all ten of their preparatory matches, scoring 44 goals without conceding any.
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