Nikyu blames stage fright for loss News

Navigation: Home / News / News / Nikyu blames stage fright for loss

Nikyu blames stage fright for loss

By Daily Sports on October 2, 2016

Nigeria Under-17 women's head coach, Bala Nikyu, believes that his players "were frightened" facing Brazil, leading to their 0-1 loss in Saturday's Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup match in Jordan.

The Nigeria trainer attributed that fear of the Brazilians for his team's lack of cohesive play and is confident that his team will do better once they face other opponents, provided they are not their South American conquerors.

Nikyu then explained that every first game at an international competition "is always difficult".

The Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was also absolved of any wrongdoing in the goal the African champions conceded. It was Nnadozie's clearance that fell to Micaelly to lob home from about 30 yards.

"Because of the name that 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. But 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 [against England]," said Nikyu at the post-match conference.

Next week Tuesday Nigeria's Flamingoes will square up against England and on October 8, will face North Korea in their final Group C game. (supersport.com)

Bala Nikyu

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 2, 2016