Super Falcons ‘Bound To Play Strongest Teams’, Says Coach
Super Falcons of Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum said the nine-time African champions are “bound to play the strongest teams” and believes they can pull through a tough Group B of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand next year, if they continue playing top grade friendly matches.
Nigeria are in Group B of the World Cup finals with Australia, Republic of Ireland and Canada. In two friendly matches in April this year, Nigeria lost one and drew one against the Olympic champions Canada.
“I have mixed feelings because it is a difficult group. Host nations are almost always difficult to play, and more than that, Australia is a fantastic team,” Waldrum said. “Also, we have the Olympic champions, Canada in our group.”
“We played the Canadians recently in two friendly matches and I know they are highly motivated for the World Cup. I know some of Canada’s players very well. Then, we have Republic of Ireland. It is a tough group but I think it is the same with most of the groups.”
“It is the FIFA World Cup so you are bound to play the strongest teams. All the groups are difficult and you know, there are so many good teams these days: that is where we are and it is a great thing for the women’s game,” Waldrum added.
The American insists that the Super Falcons have the talent, guts and ambition to cause a storm at the finals scheduled for nine cities across Australia and New Zealand from 20th July – 20th August 2023.
“We have, no doubt, the talent to survive in this group. We just need adequate preparations such as the regular friendly matches during international breaks, and then the training camps,” Waldrum said.
“The girls are ambitious; they want to give their best at the World Cup. I trust that they will do Nigeria proud.”
Chidi Nwoke/NFF.
