Sports
Under 17 Women W’Cup: Coach Attributes Loss To Fear
Coach Bala Nikyu on
Saturday said fear was the crucial point in his side’s 0-1 loss to Brazil in their opening match at the 2016 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Nikyu said this at the post-match briefing for the Group C game at Amman in Jordan.
“Because of the name Brazil has in football, I think my players were frightened and didn’t settle to play the way we know they can.
“Against another team, I’m sure they would have relaxed more and played better,’’ he said.
The coach however conceded that the loss was not unusual and the focus now should be on the next match.
“The first match in any competition is always difficult. We have played and lost and I see no point in being too hard on my goalkeeper and defence.
“My focus will be on getting ready and making preparations for our next match,’’ he said.
Tidesports reports that the Flamingoes will next take on England on Tuesday in Zarqa.
Luizao, the Brazil coach, saw his side’s victory as a great achievement, even though he believed it was deserved.
“I always had high expectations for this match even though Nigeria are a great team. I trust in my team and we have been working for three years together, improving all the time.
“To win against a team like Nigeria is a great achievement. They attacked us strongly towards the end of the match but my defence handled the high balls very well and my goalkeeper also played well.
“The result makes us pretty proud and we were all very happy in the dressing room there. It will also increase our confidence for the tough matches ahead,’’ he said.
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
