While Flamingoes open Nigeria’s account today at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 against Germany, former Super Falcons coach Thomas Dennerby said it would be a great achievement should the hosts reach at least the knock-out stages of the global cadet competition.
The Dennerby-led India are drawn in a tough Group A section with United States, Morocco and Brazil but the vastly experienced Swede remains optimistic .
“Of course, our team does not have any specific stats to look back at, but hopefully we can show everyone that India has a good team and that we can perform on a high level, “ the 62-year-old told FIFA.com. “No-one is expecting us to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup, but I hope that all Indians expect us to show a good output, fighting for our lives and putting in 100 per cent effort.
“I want India to see that the education of young girls in football is beneficial. In my view, even if you are talented, you need that education step from a young age to go all the way up. “
Dennerby who quit Nigeria to take employment in India after helping the Super Falcons reached the Second Round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 where Nigeria lost 3-0 to Germany, said the hosts have talented to withstand the rigours of the competition.
“Of course, if we reach the knockout stage it would be a sensational performance for India,” he further said. “We are ready for it and we will fight for it, but our focus is more on the performances.
“ Because a good result usually comes from a good performance.
“The most important thing is that the girls are not too nervous, that we can be calm, but still aggressive and ambitious. If we can handle this then we can take points from each and every team,” he added.