Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has urged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, to stay disciplined and united as they prepare for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The team arrived safely in Casablanca on Wednesday following a four-hour, twenty-minute flight from Abuja. They will spend a few days in the city for training and friendly matches before travelling to Marrakesh, where their World Cup campaign begins on October 17.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, West — a former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender — met the squad and offered words of encouragement, urging the players to maintain focus, respect instructions, and play with heart.
“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 West
The ex-Nigerian international, known for his fiery passion and deep Christian faith, reminded the girls that discipline and self-control are the foundation of professionalism in football.
“Be very attentive to the instructions of your coaches,” he said.
“I played professional football for 30 years. One of my ex-managers invited me to France because of the relationship, the discipline, and the mindset I had.”
He also cautioned the players not to be distracted by spectators during games.
“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.”
West concluded by encouraging the players to rely on teamwork and faith throughout the competition.
“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, bronze medallists at the 2022 U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, are hoping to build on that success in Morocco. They will face New Zealand and Paraguay in friendly matches before their group-stage opener.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most consistent sides at youth level, with the Flamingos having reached the knockout stages in six of their previous seven tournament appearances.
About the Author
