The head coach of the Nigerian women’s national team, Randy Waldrum, revealed on Sunday that his side must be very cautious when they take on the Republic of Ireland in their final match of the group stage.
The Super Falcons are currently unbeaten, as a goalless draw against Canada and a famous victory over co-hosts Australia place them at the summit of Group B with four points, while the Irish are already eliminated from the competition following back-to-back defeats.
Nigeria has a solid chance of progressing to the round of 16, as the team only needs to avoid defeat to make it the third time they have advanced out of the group phase of the Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2019) and the first time ever in succession.
However, Waldrum, who has led the team to two brilliant performances despite the struggles surrounding their preparation for the tournament, believes the Girls in Green could pose their toughest test yet.
“A lot of people would think I’m crazy by saying this, but in a lot of ways, it could be our hardest match,” the 66-year-old American said about Nigeria’s clash against Ireland. “And I think Ireland, in fairness, have been a bit unlucky in the first two matches.
“Certainly, [they] were clearly in both of those games [Australia and Canada], and if you bounce one way or another, they could have gotten a result, and we’re having a different conversation.
“But I don’t think we’re expecting them to lay down just because they’re going home already. I expect us to get the best from them, and I’ve been very impressed with their team, the way they’ve played, and their organization,” Waldrum added.
Can the Super Falcons ???????? advance into the knockout stage of the #FIFAWWC against Republic of Ireland ?????????
Watch LIVE on #Afrosport, Channel 730 on Free TV or stream for FREE via https://t.co/LaTZ61vQk4
Kick-off: 11am#BeyondGreatness #Nigeria pic.twitter.com/3hhCcuBPXm
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) July 30, 2023
Nigeria and Ireland will do battle at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, at 11 a.m. WAT on Monday, July 31, and despite the latter having nothing to play for, they could still act as banana peels and hinder the progress of the nine-time African champions.
YOU CAN WATCH THE MATCH BETWEEN NIGERIA AND REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LIVE ON AFROSPORT TV FROM 10:15AM ON FREE TV CHANNEL 730 OR STREAM ON VIDIVU.
