Nyirongo: “We’re Not Here to Participate — We’re Here to Compete”

Junior Chipolopolo forward Abel Nyirongo says representing Zambia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time is a moment of immense pride and motivation for him and his teammates.

Speaking ahead of Zambia’s Round of 32 clash against Mali this afternoon, Nyirongo said wearing national colours on the global stage fulfils a lifelong dream — one shared by countless young players across the country.

“Representing Zambia at the World Cup for the first time means everything for me,” he said. “Being part of the team that makes history is a proud moment of my life. Back home, it’s every player’s dream to represent the nation and play in the same tournament that stars like Phil Foden, Buffon and Neymar played.”

Nyirongo said competing on a platform that has produced some of football’s greatest talents gives him belief that he, too, can rise to elite levels in the years ahead.

“Just listening to those names gives me confidence. I think I might be one of those great players in the coming years,” he said. “It gives us that energy to believe in ourselves and say we’re going to make it.”

With Zambia appearing at the U-17 World Cup for the first time, expectations at home are growing but, Nyirongo, who has scored three goals so far, insists the young Chipolopolo are embracing the pressure.

“We are here to compete, not here to participate,” he declared. “They must expect a lot from us. Even if it’s our first qualification, people back home shouldn’t look down on us.”

Zambia will be hoping that Nyirongo’s confidence and the squad’s determination translate into a strong performances against Mali has they hope to get into the last 16.