Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum is wary of Morocco’s threat as he prepares to lead his team out against the hosts in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat tonight.
Although the Nigerian side, who have won the tournament a record nine times, are favourites against the first-time semi-finalists, Waldrum recognises how Morocco’s women’s football has developed in recent years.
The American coach was in charge of the Super Falcons last September when Morocco stunned Cameroon and finished ahead of Nigeria at the Aisha Buhari Women’s Invitational Tournament in Lagos.
“I saw them for the first time in September and I was very impressed by the quality of their team and by the football they play,” Waldrum said during his pre-match press conference in Rabat last night.
“I said as soon as I arrived in Morocco that they are the team that can surprise. I know how this team has developed for three years now.
“They are one of the best teams in the competition and are capable of beating any other team. We have respect for Morocco and the way they have played in this tournament. It’s a big challenge for us.
“Certainly, we have a lot of experience and a lot see us as favourites, but in football everything is possible and we have to be ready for this game.”
Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi is however confident the defending champions will see off the hosts despite the backing from the thousands of Moroccan fans.
“No matter who we face, whether it’s the host country or whatever, it’s football… we have to be ready to win and qualify for the final,” she said.
The clash at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat is the second semi-final and it kicks off at 9pm, both Moroccan and Nigerian time.
