Randy Waldrum: So many people did not give Super Falcons a chance of qualifying from the group stage

After guiding the Super Falcons of Nigeria to the knockout round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Randy Waldrum has said so many people did not give the team a chance of qualifying from the group stage.

A 0-0 draw vs Republic of Ireland confirmed Nigeria’s place as runners-up in group B with five points behind tournament co-hosts Australia who pounced Canada 4-0 to finish top with six points.

In his post match comments, Waldrum was full of praise for the Super Falcons players who according to him have proved doubters wrong.

Waldrum said ” Two years ago when we started, there were so many things that did not go well.

” So I told them (Super Falcons players) to keep working and so I am proud of the performances and believe to qualify from this group.

” So many people did not give the Super Falcons a chance of going through from the group without losing a match, I’m so proud of them, ” he said.

On his feeling after sharing the spoils with already eliminated Republic of Ireland in the last group game, Waldrum expressed disappointment but is satisfied.

” I was disappointed because I thought we could win the match, but the fact that we got the objective of qualifying for the knockout stage is enough,” the American born handler remarked.

As group B runners-up, Nigeria will face either European Champions England or Denmark in the next game.

Head Coach Randy Waldrum believes whoever the team faces will be yet another game just like facing Olympic Champions Canada and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia in the group stage.