Waldrum avoids talking about officiating against Morocco, lauds Super Falcons

Waldrum proud of Super Falcons, says he would avoid talking about officiating to avoid trouble`

Randy Waldrum is very proud of the Super Falcons and their effort after the 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the semifinal of the 2022 WAFCON.

At full time, 9-woman Super Falcons played a 1-1 draw against hosts Morocco before losing 5-4 on a penalty shootout following Ifeoma Onumonu’s miss.

Industrious Halimat Ayinde was given a red card at the start of the second half to reduce Nigeria to 10. Despite playing one player short, Nigeria took the lead in the 62nd minute, after Ajibade twisted, turned, and crossed for Ifeaoma Onumonu to powerfully head against the upright. The melee saw Yasmin Mrabet flick the ball into her own net.

Morocco was level only four minutes after when Nnadozie failed to deal with a cross by the ubiquitous Tagnaout and Mssoudy gratefully slammed into the net.

In the 71st minute, Rivet again stopped play for a VAR check, and this time handed Rasheedat Ajibade a red card, reducing the Falcons to nine women.

The Super Falcons played 56 minutes of football without conceding a goal to the rampaging Atlas Lionesses of Morocco.

And Waldrum has revealed his pride in his girls.

“I am proud of the girls tonight,” said Waldrum.

“We (Coaches) can’t comment on officiating, we will get into trouble.

“We were in control of the game until after the first red card, then the second red card, I will put it this way.

“We wanted to win the game, not just the World Cup ticket. Our substitutions were spot on and we can’t ask for more from the players, they gave their best.”