About her football beginnings, Nikolić says:
“In my family, football is in everyone’s genes. Father used to train; mother also played football with boys on the street. She often recounts that when I was just walking, I used to make balls and kick them around the house. Later, I also played football with my friends, and at the age of ten I started training at ŽFK Leotar. At first it was just for love and fun, and later it grew into a passion that is still present today.”
Can you describe to us what the life of a professional football player who played in strong European leagues, such as Germany and Switzerland, for most of her career looks like?
“I spend most of my time preparing for training and matches. Also, nutrition is a very important factor in an athlete’s life, so that is also a segment I am dedicated to. Since I’ve been in Basel, I mostly hang out with my teammates Ivana Rudelić and Ana Klink. When I have free time, I like to travel and read books. In the breaks between competitions, I usually spend my time in Trebinje where I hang out with my friends Jelena Milović, Dragica Denda, Anja Stević, Olivera Čučković and Milica Milović. So, with famous faces in the BH women’s football.”
What do you consider the most important qualities that an athlete should possess? What would you single out for the good and what for the bad side of the job you do?
“I believe that the most important thing is for an athlete to have faith, commitment, discipline and perseverance. To believe in the talent that we all received from God at birth and to improve it. Without dedication and discipline, one cannot reach the professional level of playing in any sport. And finally, persistence, without which it is impossible to survive in anything a person does, least of all in sports. The best thing is that I am doing what I love most and that I have made many friends from different parts of the world. With that, I had the opportunity to meet other cultures, which also enriched my life. The bad side is that I could not spend as much time with my family and friends as I would like.”
The BH “A” national team expected a lay-off matches with Sweden. How much will two-leg matches against a national team from the top of world football mean to our team?
“From such matches, regardless of the result, not only young players but also us older players, people around the national team can learn a lot. Sweden’s national team is made up of players who play at the highest world level, they have a high level of organization before every match, from them you can see how dedicated you should be to this job and what your attitude towards women’s football should be.”
Basel is currently the third-ranked team in Switzerland, only a point behind Zurich and Servette, with whom you are fighting for the title. The championship is uncertain, what do you think are the qualities that your club has that can bring you the title ahead of your competitors?
“We are a newly formed team, which has 17 new players since the summer and we are still in the development and integration phase. It is undeniable that this team has great quality, now the focus is on improving the younger teammates in the right direction. The competition system is specific, so far we have played very well, but only in the play-offs is the real temptation waiting for us, where we have to show our best in order to be able to fight for the title.”
What advice would you give to girls who are starting to play football?
“To believe, follow their dreams, be persistent and dedicated.”
