‘Everyone’s equal’
Reggae Girlz approaching Nicaragua game with respect, ready to face challenges on turf
Published:Monday | March 2, 2026 | 12:13 AM
Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby Jr said today’s game against Nicaragua in the Concacaf W Qualifiers will not be played on paper or decided by team rankings, but rather, it will be whichever team that performs better on the day.
Jamaica will continue their road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup when they face off against Nicaragua at the Nicaragua National Stadium, with kick off set for 7 p.m. Jamaica time.
The match, which will be an early top-of-the-table clash, is expected to be a decisive fixture in Group B.
The Girlz currently sit second in the group standings with three points following their dominant 18-0 win against Dominica in the opening game of the group.
They sit behind Nicaragua, who lead the way with six points, following their two games played.
A win today would see the Girlz move to the top position in the group on goal difference, having played one less game than their Central American opponents.
Guyana, who defeated Dominica 3-0 last week, are third in the group on three points, with Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica sitting fourth and fifth, respectively, both without a point.
Busby is confident the Girlz can pick up their second consecutive win, but admitted it will be a more difficult contest than their opening match against Dominica. He said the team is prepared and will be approaching the game with respect for their opponent’s abilities.
“As far as being favourites go, every time you step across the line, it’s a match in terms of everyone’s equal,” Busby said. “We respect Nicaragua, we’ve trained and obviously prepared accordingly for the match we’re about to have, and we respect them as an opponent.”
He added, “Obviously, we expect we’ll be in a tough match.”
TURF PITCH
One of the main challenges ahead of the game will be the playing surface, as the match will be played on artificial turf.
Reggae Girlz striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw said it will be an adjustment for a number of the players, but they have been in Nicaragua for the last few days preparing on the pitch.
She said the goal is to perform at their usual best, regardless of the playing surface.
“Most of us are based in Europe, so we aren’t really used to playing on turf. But I think we’ve been here for a couple days now to try to get accustomed to it,” she said.
“It’s not ideal, but I think these circumstances are going to happen. We’re going to face challenges whether we like it or not, but we have to just get on with it, and I think tomorrow we’re just going to go out and try to give a professional performance.”
Jamaica will rely on their attacking potency to break down the Nicaraguan defence as Shaw is expected to spearhead the attack.
She has scored 15 goals in their 16 games for Manchester City this season in the Barclay’s Women’s Super League (WSL), a league high, and has also provided four assists.
The winners of the group will advance to the Concacaf W Championships, which serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Jamaica are hunting their third consecutive appearance at the World Cup, as well as their first-ever appearance at the Olympics.