Nigar Mirzaliyeva, a defender of Azerbaijan Women's team, recently won the Russian Super Cup with FC Zenit. The St. Petersburg club defeated Lokomotiv Moscow 3-0 in the decisive match.
The 23-year-old player, who has been playing for FC Zenit since 2022, is considered one of the team's leading figures. She is even often involved into the team of the tournament in the Russian championship. Nigar Mirzaliyeva, who won the Russian Super Cup for the second time with FC Zenit, also won the title of national champion in the seasons 2023 and 2024. The team is currently top team of the tournament table in the season 2025.
In her interview with the AFFA’s official website, the player of Azerbaijan Women’s team shared her impressions of the success she achieved and talked about her future plans.
- How does it feel to win the Russian Super Cup?
- This is the second time we have won the Super Cup in Russia. We are very happy about that. We prepared seriously for the Super Cup match against FC Lokomotiv, as in previous games. The girls and coaches have worked very hard for this success. We won by showing character as a team.
- What was the most memorable moment for you in the match against FC Lokomotiv?
- The most memorable moment for me was our team spirit. The first half ended in a goalless draw. However, in the second half, we carried out the head coach's instructions and won.
- Considering your performance in FC Rubin, you have been continuing your career in Russia for 4 years now. What do you owe your stable performance there to?
- I am spending my third season for FC Zenit. I have a great love for football. I owe my successful performances to this. In my opinion, if you do something with love, you will definitely succeed. I love my job very much, I take my trainings seriously. This also helps me achieve success. I will do everything necessary to ensure that this continues both in the national team and in FC Zenit.
- What are your plans for the future? Considering that you are only 23 years old, don't you want to play in the top leagues?
- Of course, it would be great to play in the top leagues. I would like to be the first female player from Azerbaijan to play in the leading European football countries.
- Do you have any offers from those countries?
- I have received offers from some clubs. FC Zenit has also offered a new contract. But I am still thinking about it. If I receive an invitation from a strong European club, I will definitely consider it.
- How do you assess the development of women's football in Azerbaijan?
- Women's football in Azerbaijan has just begun to develop. We are already achieving certain successes. We are fighting for our country and our flag.
- Azerbaijan Women’s team will compete in the UEFA Nations League again in 2026. What will be the goal this time?
- We will definitely perform successfully in the upcoming UEFA Nations League. We will definitely prepare seriously and try to win, regardless of which teams will be in our group. Our goal will be to win the group in the UEFA Nations League. I trust our team, we will succeed.
