Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has said that a win for his side against England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 will be a huge and transformational accomplishment for the nine-time African champions.
Nigeria, who are unbeaten at the tournament after becoming the first African side to avoid a defeat in the group stage, clawed their way out of the so-called “Group of Death” that was stacked with competition co-hosts and women’s football powerhouse Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and the 22nd-ranked team in the world, the Republic of Ireland.
With many Nigerians dreaming of another top performance and a possible win against another higher-ranked side in reigning European champions England, Waldrum reiterated that it would be massive and also add to the success they have already achieved at the tournament so far.
“Well, it would be a huge win,” the American said on Sunday when asked about a possible victory over the Lionesses. “I mean, obviously, I think already with what we’ve accomplished, Nigeria is buzzing again, from what I understand.
“And, you know, I think as I’ve mentioned several times, I don’t think people expected us to get out of the group and to get the results that we’ve gotten. So I think it’s already been a big success.
But obviously, if you can not only now have beaten the Olympic gold medallists, but if you can turn around and beat European champions, then I don’t know.
“It’ll be you know, it would be something extremely special, you know, back home for all the people in Nigeria and more importantly, for the squad and what they’ve worked so hard to do. So it certainly could be transformational in a lot of different ways.”
Nigeria held Canada and Ireland to goalless draws despite going down to ten players against the Olympic champions, and they beat the Matildas 3-2 in a thrilling comeback win to finish second in Group B and advance to the knockout stage.
Waldrum also praised his opposing number, Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of the Lionesses, who also happens to be the only female coach remaining in the tournament.
“Great. Now, number one, she’s done a fantastic job with England, obviously, since she took over. You can see the progression of the team.”
“And you know, when I look at a coach and I try to analyse, you know, if I don’t know them personally, you can look at their team and you can tell if they have an idea, you know, based just in their organisation and they look like they have a plan, you know, a way they want to play offensively and they’re organised defensively and you clearly can see that with England.
“They’re so disciplined on both sides of the ball. Their movement offensively is very good, especially in the last match you saw the how fluid it was against China.
“So I think she’s done a great job. I mean I give a ton of credit too to her and what she’s done and, you know, taking them through to become European champions and so forth. So I think her pedigree speaks for itself.”
Nigeria, along with South Africa and Morocco, made history as three African nations qualified for the round of 16 at the women’s World Cup for the first time. With the Banyana Banyana out following their 2-0 loss to the Netherlands, the Super Falcons and the Atlas Lionesses have the mantle to lead the second-most populous continent as far as possible in the tournament.
Nigeria will be aiming to reach the quarterfinals with the hope of matching their best outing in the 1999 edition when they face England on Monday, August 7 at the Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane.
YOU CAN WATCH THE MATCH BETWEEN ENGLAND AND NIGERIA LIVE ON AFROSPORT ON FREE TV CHANNEL 730 OR STREAM ON VIDIVU FROM 7:30AM WAT ON MONDAY, AUGUST 7.
