WAFCON 2022: Ahead of Super Falcons Semi-Final Clash Against Host Country Morocco, Nigeria's Coach Waldrum Expresses Caution.
Nigeria Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum is not oblivious of the challenge posed by the Lionesses of Atlas in Rabat.
The Super Falcons and the Atlas Lionesses will battle for a place in the final today. The match is scheduled to kick off 6:00 pm Nigerian time.
Speaking Ahead of the crucial encounter, the American tactician is open about the potential threat that Morocco will provide in Monday's Women's Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match, both teams have already booked a spot for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
READ MORE: Super Falcons Of Nigeria Sail Past Cameroon And Advance To 2022 WAFCON Semis And The FIFA World Cup.
Rasheedat Ajibade's proved to be the Heroine, as her only goal in the second half gave the Super Falcons a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the quater-final.
The North Africans defeated Botswana 2-1 to go reach the semifinals, marking their greatest result since their 1998 debut.
The defending African champions may be outstanding favourites to reach the final, due to their impressive history in the competition, winning the continental trophy nine times.
However, Randy Waldrum feels that the Lionesses of Atlas also have a chance when both countries face off at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
“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 told the Caf website.
“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.”
Inspite Coach Waldrum thoughts, star players Ngozi Okobi is optimistic about the Falcons’ prospect of qualifying for a record tenth final.
“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.
This will be the first international match between the two nations, despite Nigeria's great Wafcon reputation (ruling the continent an unprecedented nine times).
The women of Reynald Pedros enter this crucial confrontation with impressive form. In their last twelve games across all competitions, they have not lost.
The last time Morocco lost was to Spain, losing 3-0 to the Europeans in a friendly match that was played on October 21, 2021.
In Estadio Principe Felipe, Athenea del Castillo scored twice, and Amaiur Sarriegi finished the job against Morocco.
Post a Comment