Three Observations as Nigeria bow out of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

A 4-2 penalty shoot-out loss to England means Nigeria will bow out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Round of 16. Here are three observations from the Falcons outing.

RANDY WALDRUM HAS IMPROVED THE SUPER FALCONS TEAM

Nigeria Super Falcons Head Coach Randy Waldrum has been on the job for two years.

Despite enduring a turbulent start to life on the job, Nigeria’s performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup shows Randy Waldrum has improved the Super Falcons team greatly.

Like in all their group stage games, the Super Falcons stood up against higher ranked opposition England at the Lang Park in Brisbane and we’re unlucky to lose on penalties else a quarter-final place would have been a deserved outcome.

If he will stay on the job is dependent on the Nigeria Football Federation but one thing is certain, continuity will benefit this team.

IT IS TIME FOR SOME FALCONS TO TAKE A BOW 

Let me avoid the disrespect of naming the players I feel should take a bow from the Super Falcons team following this 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup exit.

As observed, some of this players have paid their dues but the pace is faster which makes it difficult for them and so It is only proper they honourably take a bow.

Their place as Super Falcons veterans is safe and no one can dispute their contributions were immense during the days of their beginning.

CHIAMAKA NNADOZIE IS NIGERIA’S BEST PLAYER AT THE 2023 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 

Save after Save, Chiamaka Nnadozie was instrumental to Nigeria’s journey to the last-16 and against England was fantastic to deny the Lionesses on multiple occasions.

Nnadozie was without doubt Nigeria’s best player at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Aged 22, she will hopefully play in more editions of the tournament and is primed to succeed Onome Ebi as skipper when the 40-year old takes a bow.