Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum believes his players have the talent to make it out of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group in Australia and New Zealand.
The nine-time African champions are in Group B with Ireland, Olympic champions Canada and co-hosts Australia for the tournament scheduled for July 20 to August 20 next year.
The American coach is confident that with proper preparations, which include high-quality friendly matches, the Super Falcons will reach the round of 16.
“I have mixed feelings because it is a difficult group. Host nations are almost always difficult to play, and more than that, Australia is a fantastic team,” Waldrum said of the draw, which was conducted on Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand.
“Also, we have the Olympic champions, Canada, in our group. We played the Canadians recently in two friendly matches and I know they are highly motivated for the World Cup.
“I know some of Canada’s players very well. Then, we have Republic of Ireland. It is a tough group but I think it is the same with most of the groups.
“It is the FIFA World Cup so you are bound to play the strongest teams. All the groups are difficult and you know, there are so many good teams these days: that is where we are and it is a great thing for the women’s game.”
Waldrum, who led Nigeria to their joint-worst outing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July, insists that the Super Falcons have what it takes to shock the favourites in the group.
“We have, no doubt, the talent to survive in this group,” he added. “We just need adequate preparations such as the regular friendly matches during international breaks, and then the training camps.
“The girls are ambitious; they want to give their best at the World Cup. I trust that they will do Nigeria proud.”
The Super Falcons open their campaign with a clash against Canada on July 21 at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne from 12.30pm Melbourne time (2.30am Nigerian time).
Nigeria’s second match is against Australia six days later at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, which is over 1,300 kilometres and over two hours by air from Melbourne. It starts at 8pm Brisbane time (11am in Nigeria).
The Super Falcons will stay in Brisbane for their third group match against Ireland on July 31, which also kicks off at 8pm Brisbane time (11am Nigerian time).
