Head coach Randy Waldrum wants to give Nigerians something special with victory over England in the Round of 16
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum believes that his team can give Nigerians back home a special World Cup moment with victory over England in their round of 16 clash.
Super Falcons set to battle England
The American coach has led the Super Falcons to the second round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia after an impressive group stage run that saw Nigeria unbeaten despite being classed in the same group as Olympic champions Canada and hosts Australia.
Waldrum’s next target will be to shock the leading favourites for the title, England, who are also reigning European champions.
The Lionesses are also undefeated at the Women’s World Cup after claiming a maximum nine points from their three group games, but Waldrum wants to see his side overcome great odds yet again to delight fans back home.
Waldrum hoping for 'huge' England win
Speaking ahead of the Round of 16 match against England, Waldrum told journalists, "It would be a huge win. "Obviously, with what we've accomplished, Nigeria is buzzing again from what I understand, and I don't think people expected us to get out of the group and to get the results that we've gotten. So, I think it's already been a big success."
Waldrum went on to highlight the successes of the current World Cup campaign and explain how important a win over England would be, saying, "Obviously, if you can not only, now, have [knocked out] the Olympic gold medalist, but if you can turn around and beat the European champions, then it'd be something extremely special back home for all the people in Nigeria and more importantly, too, for the squad.
"It certainly could be transformational in a lot of different ways."
The Super Falcons could be the first African team to reach the quarterfinals in this World Cup campaign, having been the first and currently only African team to ever reach that stage of the tournament.
Related content
20:38 - 06.08.2023
Super Falcons: Onome Ebi reveals team's mindset ahead of England clash
Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi has said the team is fully prepared for their battle against England in the last-16.
08:06 - 06.08.2023
FIFA WWC Kgatlana shows Oshoala what being the GOAT truly means
If Oshoala wishes to be recognised as the GOAT, she needs definitive performances against the powerhouses of the international game, the likes of which Kgatlana produced in this tournament
15:30 - 05.08.2023
ANALYSIS Super Falcons: 5 tactical keys to victory for Nigeria against England
Despite coming in as a massive underdog, the Super Falcons of Nigeria can pull off the upset against the European champions if they give heed to these tenets
17:06 - 01.08.2023
Super Falcons players set to receive ₦46 million World Cup prize money directly from FIFA.
Players of Nigeria's Super Falcons can rest easy knowing that they will be receiving their World Cup prize money of at least ₦46 million each directly from FIFA
19:12 - 05.08.2023
Super Falcons: 'World Class' Oshoala is biggest threat to Lionesses — Ex-England star
Former England midfielder Karen Cairney has said the Lionesses must be wary of the danger posed by Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala.
17:05 - 05.08.2023
Super Falcons: Michelle Alozie reveals unusual favourite player and idea behind different coloured boots
Defender Michelle Alozie made a shocking revelation about her football idol and the reason why she wears different-coloured boots