When Sailors midfielder Nurhidayu Naszri first picked football as a co-curricular activity in Primary 3 at Telok Kurau Primary School, she never imagined that such a simple decision would kickstart an incredible journey.

“I chose to play football because my dad was a huge fan, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” explained the 21-year-old. “Being the eldest in the family, I decided to step up and give the sport a try. But back then, I wasn’t very serious about it — I was quite relaxed and never thought I’d go competitive.”

But that gradually changed over the years. As Ayu grew more involved in the sport, her love for the game deepened. And, with a desire to push herself further, she began attending club and national team trials — a bold step that required a complete shift in her mindset.

“Although I enjoyed football a lot, the journey hasn’t been easy,” she reflected. “The competition was intense and I wasn’t as naturally gifted as many of my peers. So I had to put in double the effort — 200% in every training session and match.”

Her perseverance has since paid off. Ayu is now a regular fixture in Daniel Ong’s Sailors side, which has begun their 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign in dominant fashion — the reigning champions have won four of their first five matches, scoring 28 goals and conceding just three.

Eight of those goals came in a resounding 8-0 victory over Geylang International last Saturday, with the Sailors netting 17 times in their last two outings.

“That win meant a lot to us,” said Ayu. “We came into the game determined to redeem ourselves after last year’s loss. It was a real team effort — everyone was focused and fully committed for the full 90 minutes.”

The midfielder opened the floodgates for the Sailors, tapping in a cross from Sarah Zu’risqha in the 16th minute to give her side an early lead. It was Ayu’s second goal of the season, having also found the net against Balestier Khalsa earlier in March.

“I’m honestly surprised to have started the season with two goals, as scoring was something I struggled with last year,” admitted Ayu. “Throughout my football journey, I’ve mainly focused on creating chances and providing assists. I never really saw myself as a goalscorer — but now, I’m looking to build on this and contribute even more to the team.”

Just over a month ago, the Sailors were handed a timely reminder of how challenging the season would be, after being held to a goalless draw by Hougang United.

“That game was a wake-up call for all of us,” Ayu recalled. “It demanded a response, and we delivered by putting in extra work during training. It really showed the strength of our team mentality. We stayed united, nobody let their heads drop, and we bounced back from that minor setback with purpose.”

Having joined the Sailors from BG Tampines Rovers in June 2024, Ayu is now approaching her first full year at the club — an experience she describes as both challenging and deeply rewarding.

“As a young player, I never imagined myself playing for a big club like the Sailors,” said Ayu, who earned her first senior cap for Singapore at just 17. “From the moment I signed, everyone has been incredibly supportive and helped me settle in. It’s a real honour to be here, and I’m truly grateful to be part of such a fantastic team.”

A major turning point in her career came in 2023, when she suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that kept her out for almost a year. Joining a team stacked with national stalwarts and top local talent, Ayu knew she had to work doubly hard to earn her place on the pitch.

“I signed for the club just after completing nine months of rehab,” she shared. “Having been out for so long, I was definitely behind in terms of fitness, strength, and match sharpness.”

“It was a tough time — both physically and mentally — but the constant encouragement from my teammates and coaches really kept me going. Their support gave me the push I needed to stay focused and keep working my way back.”

Nonetheless, setbacks like these have shaped Ayu into the player — and person — she is today. And now, the 21-year-old is beginning to reap the rewards of her perseverance, emerging as an increasingly influential figure in the Sailors’ midfield.

“Joining the Sailors has really empowered me to believe in myself,” said Ayu. “I’ve grown more confident in my decision-making and in stepping up whenever the team needs me. A lot of that growth is thanks to the coaches, teammates, and staff who’ve played a big part in shaping me as a player.”

Now fully fit and firing, Ayu is ready for a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash against Albirex Niigata (S) this Sunday (18 May). The two sides last met in early March, with the Sailors coming from behind to edge a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the season opener.

With the title race already heating up, Daniel knows how crucial every point will be — especially against a rejuvenated Albirex side eager to reclaim the crown.

“We won the league by just a single point last year, so this game could make a big difference,” said Daniel, who identified Japanese trio Kana Kitahara, Ruriko Takashima, and Manami Fukuzawa as Albirex’s key attacking threats.

“Their frontline is dangerous, so we’ll need to work even harder to track their movements and close down the spaces. And when they press us, we must stay calm, be confident on the ball, and trust in our passing game.”

Recording a second league win over the White Swans would send out a statement of intent from the Sailors. But Ayu knows it will be far from easy.

“They’ll come at us even stronger this time, so it’s crucial we stay sharp and cut out the simple mistakes,” she said. “There’s no room for complacency, as the league is much more competitive this season. But we’re fully focused on the goals we’ve set as a team. For us, every league match is a final.”