Who is Nergiz Aliyeva?
I am Nergiz Aliyeva, the goalkeeper of the Azerbaijan Women’s National Team.How did your journey in women’s football begin?
I started playing football at a very young age. My real journey into football began when I was playing on the street as a child, and the head coach of my first club noticed me and guided me into the sport.
How did your path cross with Türkiye? What are your thoughts on the current state of women’s football in Türkiye, and what suggestions do you have for its future?
The first club I played for in Türkiye was Karadeniz Ereğli Belediyespor. I joined the club through the guidance of our national team coach, Siyaset Asgarov, and that’s how my five-season journey in Türkiye began.Regarding the current state of women’s football in Türkiye, I can say that the level of professionalism is still low. There are issues such as delayed salary payments and, at times, coaching problems. During my five years in Türkiye, I experienced training sessions without a goalkeeping coach and even played matches without one. These kinds of situations do exist.As for the future of women’s football in Türkiye, I would recommend establishing a fully professional league. This way, players can focus solely on their training and matches, which is how it should be. The rest should be managed and handled by the club management.
What has been the biggest turning point in your career so far?
The turning point in my career was my bad performance in the national team match against Lithuania last year. However, afterwards I focused on moving forward, fully concentrating on my training and every match I played, and I was able to leave that game behind in a positive way by learning the necessary lessons. I can say that match was a real turning point for me.
Is there a footballer you see as a role model or someone who has inspired you in women’s football?
I can say that I see Hope Solo as my role model
Do you have any pre-match routines that you believe bring you luck?
My routine is stepping onto the field with my right foot first.
Is there a moment on the pitch that deeply affected you and that you still cannot forget?
Yes, I have an unforgettable moment on the pitch. When I was playing for Karadeniz Ereğli Belediyespor, in a match against Fatih Vatan Spor, we were leading 1–0 when a penalty was awarded against us. I was very upset because I couldn’t save that penalty, and it made me even more determined during the rest of the game.Later on, the forward found herself one-on-one with me. Realizing she was about to score, I deliberately pulled her down to concede another penalty, just to have a second chance to save it. And I did save that penalty. This is one of the moments on the field that has stayed with me the most.
How would you describe the media visibility of women’s football in Azerbaijan?
Recent times the media visibility of our national team has reached a very good level. Our Federation and our president, Ms. Zumrud, are doing their best in the most effective way to support this also my teammates have been guests on many TV channels in Azerbaijan, such as for events like the Kristal Ayaklar and I have as well.
