Flamingoes’ Head Coach, Bala Nikyu 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 Nigeria U-17 Women will begin their campaign 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.
Speaking on his expectations in the Sunday’s encounter, Nikyu said the Flamingoes will prove it bigger 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 – we have not relented and have trained well. China will be coming as a giant, but Nigeria is a big country on its own continent and they
will be surprised by what they we take back.”
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, if we are thinking of China, they are also thinking about us – we don’t mind any opponent coming – We are ready to play – and after ninety 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 on Sunday.
“We hope to make Nigerians excited at the end of ninety minutes,” he concluded.
The Nigeria’s opening game against China will be played by 5.pm (CR Time) 12am Nigeria time on Monday.
