All Whites defender Nikko Boxall says his older brother Michael was among the first to congratulate him on making his debut for the national team.

The 26-year-old Nikko, who plays his football for Danish First Division side Viborg FF, delivered a composed performance in the All Whites back four in the team’s 2-1 loss to Kenya to open their HERO Intercontinental Cup in India.

Boxall said the team were disappointed with the result considering they dominated the game for long periods, and they will look the bounce back against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday 5 June (Wednesday 6 June, 2.30am).

After the game he reflected on his milestone. Nikko’s older brother Michael (29), who has played 32 A Internationals for New Zealand and captained the team on the last tour against Canada, sent Nikko a text to mark his debut.

“Mike was one of the first people to congratulate me on making my debut,” Nikko said today. “We are really close so it was nice to come back to the phone and see a message from him. I know he is proud of me. He said well done and that he cannot wait for us to play together one day soon and I’m looking forward to that moment as well.”

Nikko was selected for his first All Whites squad in March when the team took on Canada in Spain and was hoping to play alongside Michael then. It didn’t work out, but it is a goal for the future.  

“[Mike] is always supporting me and giving me advice. Mike was always someone that I looked up to when I was younger. Now we have the chance to be in the same team it is a bit more motivation for me. It is really cool.”

The defender started the game and was one of three All Whites to make their international debut alongside Justin Guilley (Team Wellington) and Noah Billingsley (Santa Barbara University) off the bench.

Boxall said he didn’t find the challenge of international football all that different.  He treated it like any other game and his first action in the game– a header – settled down the nerves.

“It wasn’t overwhelming emotions or anything I was trying to my best for the team. It wasn’t until afterwards that I sat back and reflected and was really proud of the achievement. It means a lot me and it means a lot to my family. It only happens once.” 

Boxall said the team were disappointed with the result because they felt they deserved more out of the game. He cited that during the first half the All Whites spent more time attacking than they did defending and created 10 chances to score. 

He said one of the biggest things that the team learned from the loss was the need to stick to the game plan. “We need to do the simple things well and keep our work ethic up.” 

He expects Chinese Taipei will be a different test to Kenya, the team will do their homework and be ready for them on Tuesday night.

“There are still two games left for us and we have everything to play for. We are focused entirely on this game against Chinese Taipei and then we will look at India after that. We know that we need two big performances and we are still focused on making the final.”

The HERO Intercontinental Cup - Fixtures (all games kick off at 8pm local time, 2:30am NZT)
4 June India v Kenya
5 June Chinese Taipei v New Zealand (6 June, 2:30am NZT)
7 June India v New Zealand (8 June, 2:30am NZT)
8 June Chinese Taipei v Kenya
10 June FINAL
All games live on SKY Sport