goal.com
In a chat with Goal, the Nigeria U17 women trainer insists his side can challenge any opposition as he's set sights on clinching the trophy in Jordan. Nigeria U17 women team coach Bala Nikyu is looking forward to any challenge as the Fifa U17 Women's World Cup draw is set to take place in Jordan.
Nikyu departed the country on Saturday alongside the team's administrator Mary Oboduku to feature at the draws billed for Monday, May 30, in the capital Amman.
In 2014, the Flamingos under Nikyu's watch qualified without kicking the ball but crashed out against Spain in the quarterfinal in Costa Rica. Ths year they secured the ticket for their fifth appearance with four wins against Namibia and South Africa, scoring 16 goals and conceding none.
"Whatever comes out of the draw we are up to the task of making Nigerians proud. We will be ready for the World Cup," Nikyu exclusively told Goal.
"I know before the World Cup every country will be prepared likewise Nigeria. As we go for the draws, if God has destined us for a smooth road we must also work hard for it and not go to sleep waiting for luck."
Assessing this year's African qualifiers, Nikyu admitted that the standard is improving on the continent.
"Everyone could see that small countries in Africa are no longer seeing themselves as one and they are contesting strongly against top sides.
"[The Flamingoes] played four games in two rounds, though we won all but we succeeded considering our strength and team quality as our biggest advantage over our opponents".
Explaining what went wrong in the 2014 quarter final, he said: "Luckily for us in 2014, we qualified for the World Cup without kicking the ball. Our only game was against South Sudan who withdrew few days to the match.
"Though we got automatic qualification, that affected our competitive form and fitness for the World Cup in Costa Rica. We also had limited time to get good and youthful players and I remember having doubts in some players for the strength and confidence.
"But this year, we had the chance of playing four games - the most competitive against South Africa and we have good players and great foundation ahead of the World Cup.
"Seeing the good time I had in preparing the team, I opted for young players who will be ready to learn and improve. I'm excited they have improved with everyday in camp and have high retention of instruction. This is a major difference from the 2014 squad," he said.
For personal plans going to Jordan, Nikyu said: "Personally, what matters most now and all I need is to keep improving on the foundation already laid during the qualifiers to help get good results at the World Cup. And that's what I'm working toward to make name for myself as a coach and my country, even Africa.
The former assistant Super Falcons coach aims to become the first to win the Women's World Cup title in Africa with Nigeria.
"If wishes were horse, beggars will ride - we will desire winning the World Cup for the first time for Nigeria and Africa. If God permits, that our dreams and before then we as players and coaches must work hard and earn the trophy on merit. "Even if we don't win it, many will still sympathize with us by doing very well and getting close."
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