The sudden departure of Patrick De Wilde has left Nepal’s women’s football side facing fresh uncertainty just days after their AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign ended in heartbreak.
Rather than flying back with the squad on Monday, De Wilde headed straight from Uzbekistan to his native Belgium, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) confirmed. The coach has already sent ANFA a letter outlining his position, though its contents remain undisclosed.
Nepal’s journey in the Asian Cup qualifiers ended with a penalty shootout defeat to hosts Uzbekistan, finishing second in Group F. Despite high hopes, Nepal’s dream of qualifying for the tournament came to an end. The heartbreak was visible when the squad returned home without their coach. With no upcoming international tournaments, the focus now shifts to friendly matches and the SAFF Championship.
Internal issues within the squad also became apparent during the tournament, especially surrounding the captaincy. Before the match against Laos, Renuka Nagarkoti was listed as captain in official team posts. However, Sabitra Bhandari ended up leading the team onto the field, raising questions about last-minute decisions and lack of clarity. Former captain Angela Tumbapo Subba, who had led the team in the past, was benched throughout the tournament, further fueling speculation about internal discord.
De Wilde’s absence on the return flight added to concerns about team management and coordination. ANFA general secretary Kiran Rai said discussions about the coach’s future will take place after he returns to Nepal. “We appointed him for a year. But after these results, we need to review his mindset and future plans with us,” Rai told the media.
As the squad regroups, it’s clear that the lack of alignment between the coach, players, and management has hurt Nepal’s progress. Even Sabitra Bhandari, who captained the team in all three matches, admitted to tensions within the squad. “There were a few challenges and internal issues which added pressure. I couldn’t even sleep the night before the matches,” she revealed after the team’s return.
With many key players nearing the end of their careers, ANFA now faces urgent decisions about leadership, investment, and long-term planning. The mission to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup, once entrusted to De Wilde, seems to have failed. Without serious restructuring and a clear vision, Nepal’s women’s football team risks stagnation after a promising yet unfulfilled journey.
