In a pre-match press conference ahead of the Super Falcons’ thrilling encounter against co-host Australia in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Lang Park in Brisbane/Meaanjin, Randy Waldrum, the coach of Nigeria’s women’s national team, emphasized that his players are fully devoted to their group stage matches in the prestigious tournament.
The highly anticipated clash between Nigeria and Australia holds significant importance as one of the key matches in the group stage of the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Amid a prior dispute with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) before the tournament, Waldrum made it clear that he and the players are wholly focused on the football and are not allowing external distractions to affect their performance.
During a press conference at the Suncorp Stadium, UK-based Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, inquired about how Waldrum is managing the team amidst the ongoing war of words between him and the NFF over unpaid wages and other welfare issues.
“I think the best way to answer the question is that we are not focused on anything else except on our football matches at the World Cup since we have been here. That is the way that we have decided to handle the situation as a team, so I really would not like to get into any discussion about the issue but I would only talk from the footballing aspect,” Waldrum stated.
He further commended the players for their dedication and hard work during their training camp in Australia. Waldrum praised the team’s unity and the efforts put in by both the players and coaching staff.
The Super Falcons are well aware that a win in their upcoming match against Australia is crucial to secure a place in the Round of 16. With the Women’s World Cup expanding to 32 teams, only the top two teams from each of the eight groups will advance to the knockout stage.
Australia started their campaign with a commendable 1-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Sydney, earning three valuable points. In contrast, Nigeria held their ground against the Olympic champions, Canada, managing a goalless draw in Melbourne, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie making a remarkable penalty save.
As the Super Falcons prepare for the challenge against Australia, they remain resolute in their determination to secure victory and progress to the next stage of the tournament. The Nigerian team is leaving no room for distractions and is determined to give their all in pursuit of success on the global stage.
