Nahki Wells faces tough call on playing for Bermuda
Nahki Wells faces “tough decisions” should Bermuda fail to take maximum points from their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica this week.
Bermuda play Trinidad at home on Friday before travelling to take on Jamaica just four days later, but poor results could lead to Wells choosing to miss the last two games of World Cup qualifying
Wells initially committed himself for the duration of the tournament but whether he goes the distance now hinges on the outcome of the Gombey Warriors’ next two outings.
“I am committed to the tournament, of course, but there’s no doubt that I'll have some decisions to make if we are unable to pick up maximum points in the next round because that gives ourselves a really big task,” Wells told The Royal Gazette.
“It's not easy being away from my family and that's probably the hardest bit, but it’s also the impact it has on me and my club career, so it's never easy.
“But I'll be back on home soil next month, God willing, to captain the side against Trinidad and hopefully get our campaign up and running before we go down to Jamaica.”
Bermuda sit bottom of group B with no points after defeats in their opening fixtures at home to Jamaica (4-0) and away to Curacao (3-2) last month.
However, despite getting off to a poor start, Wells believes Bermuda can turn things around and get their flagging fortunes back on track.
“I still think there's a chance to qualify,” he said.
“Of course, we've given ourselves a real uphill task not having picked up any points from our first two fixtures against the two best sides in the group. But we still have to be aware that if we aren't to win the group, two of the second-best teams have a chance, so that's still an element of something to play for.
“But let's not be deluded, it's going to be really tough from here. We just have to accept that and look to take maximum points from the window.”
Wells, 35, was delighted to rejoin Michael Findlay’s squad for their opening group matches against Jamaica and Curaçao and to have also proudly donned the captain’s armband.
“It's a great honour and feeling to be back in the fold,” he said.
“I always feel to captain my country is something I've passed up in terms of being available for my country . But it gave me a huge sense of honour and pride in knowing on such a big stage that I was there and I gave it my all.
“I was disappointed because I always feel I could give more, but I am very happy and honoured to be back and be available in two really big fixtures against two nations I've never had the opportunity to play against.
“To wear the armband in front of more than 4,000 people at the National Sports Centre is a great honour.”