Nigeria Coach Confident Flamingoes Can Break Quarterfinal Curse

Flamingoes coach Bala Nikyu is confident hat Nigeria will reach at least the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016.

In their last three appearances ahead of the competition in Jordan, the Nigeria U17s managed to qualify for the last eighth but could not sail through to the semifinals.

In 2010, the Flamingoes won all their group matches but suffered heartbreak in the quarterfinal, losing 6-5 to South Korea after extra time, while they crashed out of Azerbaijan 2012 after losing to France on penalties.

Two years ago in Costa Rica, the Nigeria U17s lost 3-0 to Spain and could not progress to the semifinal despite topping their group for the third tournament in succession.

Coach Bala Nikyu told thenff.com after the draw that his team will prepare adequately for the World Cup, and will qualify from the group and surpass previous record of quarterfinal berth.

Nigeria are in Group C alongside Brazil, England and North Korea and open their campaign against the South Americans on October 1.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fifa.com