BFA to honour Wells in half-time presentation

The BFA will hold a special presentation for Nahki Wells at half-time of the England C clash at the National Sports Centre on Tuesday night (7:30pm kick-off).

Wells enjoyed a stunning season in England, scoring 26 goals to help Bradford City to promotion to League One and playing at Wembley twice — first in the Capital One Cup final and then in the play-off final where he became the first Bermudian to ever score at the iconic stadium.

The striker, who turns 23 tomorrow, is back on the island but is unavailable for Tuesday’s match as he rests up after a relentless season.

Spokesman for the BFA Cal Blankendal said: “I am disappointed as a spectator that Nahki won’t be playing.

“But as someone who understands football and understands Nahki, we can understand that having played so many matches, putting your body through a rigourous season going into a play-offs knowing he has other opportunities, challenges and obligations to his current club Bradford City, we have to understand it is a profession and you have to listen to others.

“He has much more knowledge about his game and his body and his physical ability than the average person in Bermuda.”

Blankendal said BFA were keen to recognize Wells’ achievements while they were still fresh and while he was on the island.

“Nahki created history by being the first Bermudian to score at Wembley. Normally there’s a trend we do everything posthumously. We’re trying to follow a new trend and say you’ve done something now, let’s recognize you now.

“There are quite a number of young individuals that look up to Nahki both here and in Bradford so let’s give him the opportunity while he’s on the island because you never know when he’s going to be back here in a professional environment.

“It’s more of a citation coming from the Association recognizing him for being an outstanding individual for putting Bermuda back on the map, in football and just for creating history for Bermuda.”