SUPER Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has expressed his excitement at the quality of players available to him as the team prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July.
The Nigerian ladies have been making waves across the world in recent weeks, with several taking their careers from home to Europe, and the likes of Asisat Oshoala outscoring all competitors in the Spanish top flight.
Considering the established and emerging talent available to him, Waldrum is optimistic of a good outing at the World Cup.
The American also lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Football Federation in getting quality friendly matches and tournaments for the team, such as the Revelation Cup coming up in Mexico from next week.
“I think the current Super Falcons squad is loaded with so many talented players. There are a lot of players that have much to offer in the team and I am reasonably excited and hopeful,” Waldrum told thenff.com
“Asisat Oshoala is in great form and we all know what she is capable of. When you add players like Desire Oparanozie, who is also very much in the mix, as well as Ifeoma Onumonu, Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo, no doubt, we have so many effective weapons offensively.
“I am confident that we can build something special with this squad. We have also got some bright players like Rofiat Imuran coming in, in her twenties, same with Tosin Demehin, to go along with experienced players like Osinachi Ohale.
“Ashleigh Plumptre has also been a great addition for us at the back. I think I love the strength of the team; it’s just about getting the best eleven to play on the pitch.”
Waldrum believes transfers to bigger clubs and leagues involving some players would also raise their confidence as they prepare for the global tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The Super Falcons will participate in the first edition of the Women’s Revelation Cup, scheduled for February 15 to February 21 in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
They will play against Mexico, Colombia and Costa Rica in the six-day preparatory tournament for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Waldrum will be looking to redeem himself at the World Cup after leading the nine-time continental champions to their worst-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations outing in Morocco in July, when they lost three of their six matches and finished fourth.
