Flamingoes to Nigerians: We are sorry

Pelican Stars striker Chinwe Ihezuo has assured Nigerians that the Flamingoes will record success in Costa Rica and make them proud by winning all their matches after ruing missed chances as well as blaming the side's inability to score against the Belgian team on anxiousness and unfriendly weather.

"We played a good side, but today (Tuesday) we were not lucky. We did very well though we were too anxious to score and missed many chances. The weather was not too friendly as it was very cold and did affect our performance. We are assuring Nigerians that we will not only participate, but do our possible best to win all our matches and make them proud in Costa Rica," Chinwe assured.

Earlier, the captain of the team, Tessy Biahwo who expressed shock at her penalty miss, promised to ensure conversion when the opportunity avail itself at the World Cup and appealed for the prayers of Nigerians in Costa Rica as they hope to win tournament.

"I was shocked, when I missed  the penalty. I promise if such chance comes at the World Cup, I will convert it because I've never missed a penalty kick in my football career, the Delta Queens midfielder said in a remorseful way.

''We played them in the half pitch, but the Belgium goalkeeper was very good. We were impressive - the weather was nice for me but some of my teammates were not comfortable with it. We hope Nigerians will continue to pray for us as we make them proud," Tessy said.

The Nigeria U17 women will play China on March 16 in their opening match of the World cadet tournament in Costa Rica scheduled to hold from March 15 to April 4.