Busby expects Reggae Girlz to face a tough Nicaragua
Published:Tuesday | February 17, 2026 | 12:09 AM
A dominant 18-0 win against Dominica in their opening game of the Concacaf W Qualifiers has not taken away from what Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby Jr believes will be a sterner test when they face Nicaragua away.
The Reggae Girlz will face Nicaragua on March 2 at the Nicaragua National Stadium in their second match of Group B.
It will be an early top–of-the-table clash as Nicaragua lead the group with six points from their two games. Jamaica sit second with three points.
Speaking in a press conference where he announced his squad for the game, Busby said he is anticipating a much harder challenge when they face the Central Americans, compared to their first game against Dominica.
The Girlz had kick-started their campaign with a record 18-0 win over their Caribbean opponents.
“We know it’ll be a different match and a little bit more of a challenge,” Busby said.
“They are a better-quality opposition based on their rankings and obviously, coming in, they’re leading the group based on wins so far, with two wins, so it’ll be a much harder game.”
Despite this, Busby is confident his players can get the job done, and said they will be approaching the game with the same mindset as always – to play to their strengths and win.
Analyse their opponents
Busby explained that with Nicaragua having already played two games, it has given the coaching staff the opportunity to analyse their opponents.
“We’ve done our work as a staff,” he explained. “The good thing is, we’ve been able to watch them two games leading into ours.”
“There are some quality players on their squad, so we’ve got a match plan that we’re going to look to execute in the four days we have as a lead into the match.”
He continued, “I think it’s really about, for us right now, making sure that we remain true to our principles of play, remain true to our style, our mindset and our discipline in terms of how we go about executing.”
Jamaica will look to their stacked list of attackers, which will be spearheaded by in-form striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw.
Shaw, who made her return to national duty last time out, will be the player to watch as she has been in great goalscoring form, bagging 15 goals and four assists in her 16 games for Manchester City in the Barclay’s Women’s Super League.
Busby said the goal is to maximise on Shaw’s eye for goal and ensure she is given the room to play to her ability.
“I think, similar to Man City and similar to us, it is how do we get the best out of her within our environment as well,” Busby said.
“We’re trying to have opportunities to work and get the best out of her qualities. It is something that we have to do because arguably, for us, we feel she’s the best striker in the world; and why wouldn’t we want to be able to put her in the best position to use all her qualities?”
The winner of the group from the Concacaf W Qualifiers will advance to the Concacaf W Championships to compete for the spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Reggae Girlz Squad
Goalkeepers: Sydney Schneider, Rebecca Spencer, Liya Brooks
Defenders: Tianna Harris, Konya Plummer, Chantelle Swaby, Naya Cardoza, Kameron Simmonds, Tiffany Cameron, Allyson Swaby
Midfielders: Olufolasade Adamolekun, Atlanta Primus, Deneisha Blackwood, Israela Groves, Jade Bailey, Trudi Carter
Forwards: Kayla McKenna, Shaniel Buckley, Natasha Thomas, Shania Hayles, Solai Washington, Kalyssa Van Zanten, Khadija Shaw