Flamingoes will Shock China, says Nigeria Coach
Taiwo Adelu
Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 women team, the Flamingoes, Bala Nkiyu has declared his team’s readiness
to shock China in their Sunday’s opening game at the 2014 FIFA Under-17 Women World Cup in Costa Rica.
The Nigerian ladies will begin their campaign in the World Cup when they trade tackles with their Chinese counterparts in the second Group D clash at the 16.625 capacity Alejandro Morera Soto Scotiabank stadium in Alajuela, 5pm local time (12am Nigerian time on Monday).
Speaking on his expectations in the Sunday’s encounter, Nkiyu said the Flamingoes will be out to prove themselves as African giants against their counterparts from Asia when they unleash their surprised package on
the Gao Hong led Chinese ladies.
“It’s a game we are long expecting. We have been waiting for this day, have not relented and have trained well for this competition,” said Nkiyu in a statement made available to P.M.NEWS Sports by the Media Officer of Flamingoes, Jennifer Okoye.
Despite admitting having little knowledge of the Asian giants at age-grade competitions, the Nigerian gaffer insisted the Chinese team will be under pressure as his ladies are not scared of any opponent.
“At the youth level, Nigeria and China have good pedigree which both teams will count on in the match. We are ready to play our game and after 90 minutes the result will judge,” the one-time assistant coach of the Super Falcons said.
He urged Nigerians to keep their calm, assuring that his ladies will at the end of the game make the country proud.
“We hope to make Nigerians happy by winning our first match of the World Cup” he said.
Meanwhile, Flamingoes forward Ikeh Ginika has expressed optimism that the team won’t disappoint the nation in Costa Rica.
The Confluence Queens striker, who was one the four players dropped from the Nigeria squad after the 19-day preparatory camp for the World Cup in Faro, Portugal, said that she was delighted with the rare opportunity giving to her at the camp and promised to work hard for another chance.
“It is a great achievement in my career and good experience for me; I did my best but this is not my time. It not easy to make the final list for the World Cup as not every player will be in Costa Rica. I’ve resolved to work harder, remain focused and be prayerful for another opportunity with the national team,” says Ikeh, who was among the Flamingoes’ early arrival at the Abuja camp last year.
On chances of Flamingoes in Costa Rica, the former FC Robo ace while commending the Coach Bala Nikyu-led side for the cohesion and great cooperation built within the team, declared that Nigeria will be the team to beat as they are determined to emulate the Golden Eaglets who won the U-17 World Cup in UAE last year.
“In the camp, there is a lot of confidence with the players. The coach (Bala Nikyu) raised the team’s confidence, provided healthy competition and enshrined discipline within the team. And as women, we
are motivated by the Golden Eaglets with the believe that what a man can do, a women can do better,” the Lagos-bred emerging forward said.
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