As the FIFA Women’s World Cup progresses, Nigeria’s coach, Randy Waldrum, believes that securing a victory against European champions England in the last 16 would have a “transformational” impact on women’s football in the country.
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The Super Falcons have a storied history, having participated in every Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991. However, their journey to this year’s tournament was overshadowed by a dispute with their national federation over bonuses. Despite the challenges, the team has demonstrated resilience, drawing with Olympic champions Canada and defeating co-hosts Australia, setting up a thrilling encounter with England in Brisbane.
In a pre-match statement on Sunday, Coach Waldrum emphasized the significance of a potential victory over England, saying, “It would be a huge win, obviously. Already, with what we have accomplished, Nigeria is buzzing again, from what I understand. I don’t think people expected us to get out of the group and achieve the results we have obtained, so I think it has already been a big success.”
He further added, “But obviously, if you can not only beat the Olympic gold medallists but also overcome the European champions, then it would be something extremely special back home for all the people in Nigeria, and, more importantly, for this squad, for what they have worked so hard to do. So it certainly could be transformational in a lot of different ways.”
While Nigeria has made it out of their group for the third time in World Cup history, they are yet to clinch a knockout tie. Coach Waldrum confirmed the fitness of star striker Asisat Oshoala and expressed the possibility of forward Desire Oparanozie’s return after her injury before the tournament.
On the England side, Coach Waldrum is preparing his team to face the Lionesses with or without Keira Walsh, who missed their last group game due to a knee injury. Walsh has returned to training, but England’s coach Sarina Wiegman could decide to stick with the three-woman defense that led to an impressive 6-1 victory over China or revert to a back four.
“We have to prepare for both,” said Coach Waldrum, acknowledging the tactical possibilities. “As a coach, I would expect her [Wiegman] to go with a back three because they played ever so well in the last match with that and I don’t know why she would change.”
Addressing Walsh’s importance, he added, “Obviously, she is a key player in their midfield for them. But England also has so many weapons. You go down the list and you look at their players, and all of them play in a high-profile setting, so there are certainly more that can do damage to us than just her. They have given us a lot of challenges to prepare for, and that will be just another one if she comes in.”
As the excitement builds for the thrilling encounter between Nigeria and England, both teams are primed to showcase their skills and determination on the global stage. The outcome of this highly-anticipated match could shape the course of women’s football in Nigeria and potentially elevate the sport to new heights in the country.
