Nigeria’s triumphant and record setting U17 side, the Flamingoes, returned to the country to warm reception after finishing third at the 2022 U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup in India.
Sweden’s IFK Göteborg star, Aliima Atterval Alase who did not feature throughout the tournament was disappointed at not having game time but also delighted at the opportunity to represent the country Sports247 reports.
“It has always been a dream for me to wear the color of Nigeria so when an invite was extended to me to come try out in camp, I knew I must not let the opportunity slide. I gave it all I had & I’m grateful that it was enough to be among the privileged ones that made it to India,” Aliima said.
On not featuring she said, “Yes I am a little sad that I didn’t get to feature but I understand the fact that the team had momentum and sometimes, coaches do not want to disrupt it. That doesn’t stop my happiness with this golden bronze medal I have which I will cherish for life.”
She also thanked the coaches for the opportunity and hopes to break into the first team of her Swedish side and represent the country at the U20 level.
“I want to use this medium to thank our coach, Coach Bankole, the entire members of the backroom staff, my teammates, fans and the Football Federation for giving me the chance to represent the country,” Aliima said.
“I hope to mature into the first team of IFK Göteborg of Sweden in order to garner ample experience and hopefully come back to represent Nigeria at the Under 20 level in two years’ time,” she added.
