Sweden-based forward Anika Rania Siddiqui has expressed her delight after receiving her first call-up to the Bangladesh women’s national football team. In a video message shared on the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Facebook page last night, Anika said, “Representing Bangladesh has been a dream since my childhood. Finally, that dream has come true. I am truly thrilled to have my name on the national squad.”
The Bangladesh team is scheduled to depart tonight at 2:00 am from Bangkok to Sydney ahead of the 21st AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which kicks off in Australia on 1 March. Ahead of the departure, a press conference was held at the BFF headquarters, where head coach Peter Butler praised Anika’s potential. “She is 20–21 years old. A member of the federation, Mr Fahad recommended her. We have reviewed her videos and observed her training. In my view, she is extremely promising and could be a major discovery for the future,” Butler stated.
Anika could become only the second overseas-born player to represent Bangladesh after Matsushima Sumaiya, who was born in Japan. She has played for Brompojkarna, a Swedish club, at under-19 level and made her senior debut in the Swedish Cup last month. The 20-year-old hopes to leverage her European football experience to strengthen the Bangladesh squad.
Adjusting to Bangladesh’s conditions was initially challenging for Anika. “It feels great now, but in the beginning, it was a bit tough… everything was new—the weather and the environment. I am gradually improving,” she said in her video message.
Despite the short time with the team, Anika has already formed a good rapport with her teammates, including Afida, Ripa, Swapna, and Rupnara. Captain Afida also expressed her pleasure at having Anika on board: “She came for trials and is fitting in reasonably well with us. I hope she faces no difficulties.”
Bangladesh Women’s Asian Cup Group
| Group B | Team | Titles Won | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 9 | 21 | |
| North Korea | 3 | 11 | |
| Uzbekistan | 0 | 2 | |
| Bangladesh | 0 | 5 |
The tournament will run from 1 to 21 March across five venues in Australia. Bangladesh will prepare in a training camp at Valentine Sports Park, Sydney, starting 22 February. A friendly match against local club Western Sydney Wanderers is scheduled for 26 February.
Anika’s inclusion as a diaspora talent is seen as a significant boost to Bangladesh’s squad, combining international experience with promising potential, and could play a pivotal role in the team’s efforts in Asia’s premier women’s football championship.