Flamingos Head Coach, Bankole Olowookere Bags ‘Icon Of Inspiration’ Award

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria Women Under 17 National team Head Coach (Flamingos), Bankole Olowookere has been recognized for his contribution to the development of the girl child through football, by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) on Friday.

The National student body noted that the recognition was bestowed on him because of his various achievements, consistency and contributions to Women’s football in Nigeria and beyond.

Olowookere, a CAF-Licensed Coach, over the years has helped discovered great women footballers across the country and nurtured them to greatness.

The Ekiti-born Football Tactician won numerous titles as a grassroot Coach in Lagos, before venturing into the NWFL Premiership with DreamStar Ladies and Naija Ratels.

The highly resourceful Manager, helped DreamStar retain Premiership status, before joining Abuja based team, Naija Ratels, where he won the NWFL Championship and gained promotion to the Premiership, before qualifying the team to the Super Six, the following season.

Olowookere went ahead to qualify the Nigerian Women Under 17 team, the Flamingos to the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with 100 percent record and won a bronze medal at the mundial, the first time ever for Nigerian at the Women’s U-17 World Cup.

“It’s a great privilege to be recognized, by a national student body,” Olowookere said.

“Ever since I started my career as a Football Coach, I have aimed to be the best and a rile model to younger Coaches coming after me.

“I will continue to uphold these great qualities and make everyone associated with me proud. I am indeed honoured to be an Icon of inspiration for many.” He concluded.