LAHORE: Expressing excitement and gratitude, Pakistan women footballers say their upcoming participation in the FIFA Series is a “massive opportunity” to test themselves at the international level, as the national side gears up for a landmark appearance in Côte d’Ivoire from April 9 to 16.
Forward Nadia Khan, speaking on behalf of the squad, credited Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani for turning plans into reality. “There’s a big difference between making promises and actually delivering, and we truly appreciate the effort behind this opportunity,” she said, adding that such exposure is vital for the team’s development.
Pakistan’s senior women’s team will feature in a FIFA-sanctioned event, underlining a significant step forward for women’s football in the country. The tournament offers a rare international platform for players who have long struggled with limited competitive opportunities.
Pakistan will kick off their campaign against the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 9, followed by a fixture against Mauritania on April 12. The side will then face hosts Côte d’Ivoire on April 16 in their final group match — a contest expected to test the team’s resolve and progress.
Head coach Adeel Rizki has overseen an intensive training camp in Lahore, focusing on fitness, coordination, and match preparedness. The squad is set to depart for Côte d’Ivoire on Monday, aiming to make the most of this breakthrough moment.
Goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj highlighted the importance of extended preparation, noting that time spent together has helped strengthen team chemistry. “We rarely get enough time to train as a unit, so these weeks have been crucial in building understanding before such a big event,” she said.
Midfielder Sanah Mehdi also urged fans to rally behind the team during the tournament. “The support means everything to us, it motivates us and pushes us to give our best on the field,” she remarked.
PAKISTAN WOMEN SQUAD FOR FIFA SERIES
Goalkeepers: Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf, Arzoo Hazara
Defenders: Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan, Nizalia Siddiqi
Midfielders: Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi, Zehmena Malik
Forwards: Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri, Azwa Chaudhry.