In an exclusive interview with Sports247, Dannaz Ladies’ head coach, Bashiru Fatai, opened up about his disappointment regarding the absence of his players in Nigeria’s U17 and U20 squads.
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When questioned about his thoughts on the exclusion of Dannaz Ladies’ players from national team call-ups, Coach Fatai didn’t mince his words. “Yeah, it’s a big question you ask me, but I just need to say the truth. I’m very disappointed,” he admitted candidly. Despite acknowledging the talent within his squad, he expressed his frustration over the lack of representation in the youth national teams.
Coach Fatai reiterated his belief in the capabilities of his players, emphasizing their potential to excel at the international level. “We have the young players who can play for the U17 and U20,” he asserted. However, he remained hopeful for the future, stating, “As time goes on, I expect them to call players from our team also, which is sure, because with the way our girls are playing, they will surely be invited to the U17 and U20.”
The coach’s remarks shed light on the aspirations of Dannaz Ladies’ players to compete on the national stage, underscoring their ambition and talent. Despite the initial setback, Coach Fatai’s optimism reflects a belief in his team’s potential to garner recognition and opportunities at higher levels of competition.
As Dannaz Ladies continue to showcase their prowess in the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL), Coach Fatai’s comments serve as a reminder of the untapped talent within the squad, awaiting acknowledgment and inclusion in national team selections.