Super Falcons: Waldrum optimistic ahead of World Cup despite poor preparation

Super Falcons will represent Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA WWC.

Super Falcons: Waldrum optimistic ahead of World Cup despite poor preparation

Ayoola Kelechi 20:39 - 06.07.2023

Ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has tipped his side to do well despite inadequate preparation

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has stated that he still believes that Nigeria will do well at the forthcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, despite what he described as shoddy preparations for the tournament.

Waldrum tips Super Falcons to do well at the World Cup

Waldrum was heavily critical of the Nigerian Football Federation ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, amidst poor preparations for the tournament and an alleged backlog of salaries

Super Falcons boss Randy Waldrum
Super Falcons boss Randy Waldrum

The American gaffer was speaking on the ‘On the Whistle’ podcast when he castigated the federation’s preparatory plans for the World Cup but also noted the dysfunction had not affected his belief in his players and his optimism going into the tournament. 

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Waldrum said, “The interesting thing in light of this [poor preparation], is I think the players are going to do well. They are really ready for this.”

Waldrum believes Super Falcons can escape Group of Death

While Waldrum acknowledged the difficulty that the Super Falcons would face going into the World Cup Group B to face hosts Australia, reigning Olympic champions Canada, and European dark horses Ireland, he appeared confident that Nigeria could find a way out of the group. 

I think our group is the hardest in the tournament, to be honest,” Waldrum said, continuing, “but we still have the belief that we can get something out of it and find a way to get out of the group. 

“The players are in a really good spot, and I think we have some talent in the team. We have some really good players. 

“It’s just disappointing that they haven’t been supported the way they need to [in order] to really bring out everything that they offer. 

The Super Falcons of Nigeria find themselves in the tournament’s proverbial Group of Death, however, and need to eliminate one of the group’s favourites, Australia or Canada, to progress as one of the two qualifiers to the knockout stage. 

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