The tactician says his girls ultimately paid the price for a slow start in their opening game, having shown too much respect for their opponents. Coach Bala Nikyu believes Nigeria U17 threw away maximum points by paying Brazil too much respect. Micaelly's lone strike saw Nikyu's side bow at the King Abudullah II Stadium in Amman. "Because of the name that Brazil has in football, I think my players were frightened and didn't settle to play the way we know they can," Nikyu said at the post-match conference.

"Against another team, I'm sure they would have relaxed more and played better. But the first match in any competition is always difficult. "We have played and lost and I see no point in being too hard on my goalkeeper and defence. My focus will be on getting ready and making preparations for our next match [against England]." The Flamingoes will be hoping to redeem their image by securing victory against England next Tuesday before they take on North Korea four days later.