By Amaechi Agbo

Super Falcons midfielder,  Rita Chikwelu has disclosed that the team will not disappoint Nigerians as they prepare to participate in the 8th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking with Bestchoicesports.com.ng recently from Sweden before she joined the  team’s camp in Austria, the Kristianstad DFF of Sweden player said she is ready to do her best for the team and the country adding that her personal target is for the team to qualify from the group stage.

How do you feel being in the final squad

I feel so happy and l thank God for being in the final squad. It is an honour and I cherish it.

How mentally ready are you to face the world bests?

I am mentally ready because I have been looking forward to this. I have played high profile matches at club level and even with the national team. So I am not afraid of anybody. History does not play football. We are ready for any team and we will beat them.

How do you handle pressure that comes with being selected for a match?
 
I always try to be calm and stay focused. Follow coach’s instructions which is very important. I try to keep my cool and set target for myself because despite being motivated collectively, it is also important that players motivate themselves individually but that should not lead to selfish play.

What is your target for the world cup, personally

I have a positive target to qualify to next round and go ahead to break the second round jinx which remains our best since 1999. It is time for us to change that. We have come along way and with the preparations the coaches and the federation have given us, we are ready to write new record for our country.

How would you assess Thomas Dennerby’s coaching tactics?

Coach Thomas Dennerby is a very good coach he brings a lot to the team  like the way we’re playing now is superb. He tries to bring out the best in each player and that has been keen to our successes thus far.

What is your message to you fans especially at home?

My message to my fans is to keep praying for the team and we’re not going to disappoint them by God’s grace.