Super Falcons Head coach Randy Waldrum has expressed his optimism that Nigeria women senior national football team will retain their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title at the 2022 edition billed for Morocco later this year.
Waldrum who recently led the Super Falcons to Canada on a two-game tour against their Canadian counterparts, said the performance of his team against the Olympic Games gold medal winners has boosted his belief that Super Falcons are on track to retain their African title.
“We went to Canada with a team that wasn’t our full team and played very well against one of the best teams in the world and Olympic games gold medalist.
“In the first game we barely managed to present only 13 outfield players with two goalkeepers and lost 2-0. But when the other players who were delayed by visa and flights issues joined the squad, we gave them a good game and we played a 2-2 draw. We should have won, but fatigue took its toll on us.”
Waldrum added: “I am convinced that we do have a team capable of winning the AFCON once again. I believe that for sure because this team is beginning to play the way I wanted them to play. I am optimistic that we shall win again when fully jelled”.
“We shall appreciate it if NFF are able to get us some more high quality friendly games before we go to Morocco for the women AFCON. The games will help us blend the more and prepare us for the task ahead. It will be tough, but we shall conquer,” Waldrum enthused.
On Asisat Ishoala’s absence from the Super Falcons’ last four games, Waldrum said her unavailability was due to the injury she sustained while in camp in Abujà adding that the FC Barcelona Femeni forward remains an integral member of the team.
“Asisat was out with injury, otherwise she would be called in. She is very vital to me and our team’s success moving forward. As soon she regains her health, she would be called in to rejoin the Super Falcons,” Waldrum concluded.
The 2022 Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will hold from July 2 to 23, and the tournament will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
