IT'S SCARY - WALDRUM ON NIGERIA'S WC HOPES It's scary - Waldrum on Nigeria's WC hopes

 

IT'S SCARY - WALDRUM ON NIGERIA'S WC HOPES

Nigeria head coach Randy Waldrum

Thursday Apr 06, 2023. 15:00

Nigeria head coach Randy Waldrum has described their matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as ‘scary’.

The Super Falcons are in Group B alongside Ireland, Olympic champions Canada and tournament co-hosts Australia with the showpiece set to run from July 20 to August 20.

“It’s scary, to be honest. Our first two games are brutal. Many people have our group ranked as the hardest in the World Cup,” Waldrum said on Punch Nigeria.

“The other three teams are all ranked in the top 25 in the world. They all pose different kinds of problems. Just like Canada, Australia has so, so many stars.

“They have Sam Kerr leading the line and a host of really, really talented players behind her. And if that’s not going to be hard enough, they’re the host nation, so we’ve got a lot to overcome.”

The Super Falcons failed to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco last year and Waldrum is now under pressure going into the World Cup finals.

“It’s going to be a very, very big challenge for us. Obviously, as a coach, I look forward to these challenges and I think our players also will, but clearly it will be very difficult for us,” the American tactician added.

“Look at Australia’s recent performances. They’re handling strong opposition pretty easily. Australia are flying right now and, in a World Cup at home, they’re sure to be flying.”

Nigeria departed for Turkey on Monday ahead of the friendlies against Haiti and World Cup co-hosts New Zealand.

Nigeria news page »