We are here to win: Suha Hirani issues bold warning ahead of Abidjan debut

The air in Abidjan is thick with anticipation as the Pakistan women’s national team stands on the precipice of a historic milestone.

Ahead of their inaugural appearance in the prestigious FIFA Series, Head Coach Adeel Rizki and Vice Captain Suha Hirani addressed a packed room of local and international media, signaling a new dawn for women’s football in the South Asian nation.

For a team that has long fought for visibility, this tournament represents more than just a series of fixtures, it is Pakistan’s first-ever participation in an official FIFA-sanctioned event.

Addressing the significance of the moment, Coach Adeel Rizki was adamant that his squad is not here merely to participate, but to compete. “This is a monumental opportunity for our players, our nation, and our member association,” Rizki told reporters. “When you are granted a stage of this magnitude, there is no room for nerves or shyness. We are embracing this challenge with a positive stride and a clear vision.”

The Pakistan squad arrived in the Ivorian capital several days ago, quickly acclimatizing to the humid conditions. With the first training sessions under their belt, Rizki confirmed that the morale in the camp is at an all-time high.

The highlight of the press conference came from Vice-Captain Suha Hirani, whose words resonated deeply with the international press. When questioned about the driving force behind the team’s journey, her response was a stirring testament to the resilience of Pakistani sportswomen.

“Our biggest motivation is the progression of Pakistan’s women’s football on the global stage,” Hirani stated firmly. “Opportunities are rare, so every time we wear this jersey, we aim to prove that the women and girls of Pakistan are immensely capable. We are here to show the world what we can do.”

Despite the respect shown to their hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, Hirani was unapologetic about the team’s ambitions. “The goal is simple: we are here to win the series. This is the strongest, most cohesive unit we have fielded in years,” she added.

The FIFA Series is a strategic initiative designed to foster cross-confederation competition, and this year’s edition marks the debut of a dedicated women’s iteration. Pakistan’s path to glory begins tomorrow:

April 9: vs. Turks and Caicos Islands
April 12: vs. Mauritania
April 16: vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Hosts)

While the immediate focus is on the silverware in Abidjan, Coach Rizki touched upon the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) broader roadmap toward World Cup qualification. Acknowledging that Pakistan remains a “developing football nation,” Rizki highlighted a tiered strategy involving domestic league expansion and consistent participation in FIFA windows.

“Success won’t happen overnight, but the progression is undeniable,” Rizki concluded. “By competing with diverse teams across Asia and now the world, we are laying the bricks for a sustainable future.”

As the “Green Shirts” take the field on April 9, they carry not just the hopes of a football team, but the aspirations of millions of girls back home looking to break the grass ceiling.

Shaikh Zulqurnain