Flamingos midfielder Precious Oscar has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the team following their 2-1 defeat to Poland at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, and has promised a stronger performance against Puerto Rico in Tuesday’s crucial Group B encounter.
Nigeria suffered a disappointing start to their campaign in Rabat on Saturday, conceding goals to Wiktoria Skrzypczak and Natalia Skrok before Oluebube Umejiaku pulled one back in the 79th minute.
Oscar admitted that the players were disappointed with the result but insisted they remained determined to recover.
“We all came out to play and to win, and it didn’t go the way we wanted,” Oscar said.
“So, we go back and organise ourselves, and hopefully we will come out stronger in the next game.”
The Flamingos face Puerto Rico on October 20 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, with both teams searching for their first points after losing their opening matches.
Puerto Rico suffered a 6-0 defeat to defending champions North Korea, leaving Nigeria third in Group B ahead of the Caribbean side on goal difference.
Victory against Puerto Rico would revive Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the Round of 16 before their final group match against North Korea on Friday, October 23.
With the top two teams in each group qualifying automatically alongside the four best third-placed sides, the Flamingos still have a route to the knockout stage but can ill afford another setback.
Oscar stressed that unity and discipline would be essential to their response.
“To my team, I would talk to them and tell them to be organised, be together, because it is just the first game,” she stated.
The youngster also appealed for continued support from Nigerians.
“To Nigerians, they should all keep supporting us. Never lose hope, because we are going to make them proud,” Oscar declared.
With Puerto Rico up next and North Korea awaiting in the final group fixture, Oscar believes the Flamingos can still turn their World Cup campaign around.
