The Super Falcons of Nigeria head coach, Randy Waldrum has insisted that his players had a fantastic 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand even though they failed to go beyond the round of 16.
Earlier today, August 7, the Super Falcons who have been so promising in the 2023 edition of the World Cup fell 4-2 via penalties to England in the round of 16.
Randy Waldrum and his girls were hoping to go beyond the quarter-finals stage, a feat they last achieved in 1999 but that dream is over for now courtesy of Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie who missed their spot-kicks during the penalty shootout.
Recall that the Super Falcons made it to the round of 16 after defeating the co-hosts Australia 3-2 in the group stage. They also drew 0-0 with the reigning Olympics champions Canada and then drew 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland in their last group stage game.
The fact that they were able to play a goalless draw for over 120 minutes with the reigning European champions, England, showed that the Super Falcons were not pushovers throughout their time at the tournament.
After losing 4-2 on penalties to England on Monday, coach Randy Waldrum said, “[The players] have been fantastic all tournament. We’ve played four matches, including against the Olympic gold medallists and the European champions, and had clean sheets in those games.
“I’m so proud of them. They have such a bright future. The players came together unbelievably. They just played their hearts out and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
“We can be and should be one of the top teams in the world. I think we have shown we’re capable of playing with anybody.”
