Waldrum wants proper preparation for Paris ‘Group of Death’
Following their qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games women’s football tournament, Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation and the sports ministry to ensure proper preparation for the team, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Falcons qualified for the event after securing a goalless draw against South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday, progressing 1-0 on aggregate thanks to Rasheedat Ajibade’s winner in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Nigeria returns to the Olympics for the first time in 16 years with their last appearance coming in Beijing 2008.
Speaking ahead of the forthcoming event, Waldrum warned that his side must embark on preparations to be able to challenge for a medal at the Olympics.
“Now my plea and challenge are to the Minister of Sports and to the federation (NFF) to help us prepare properly,” Waldrum said.
“We need a camp in Europe to prepare for the group that we have, we need proper training, we need proper transportation,” Waldrum, 67, added.
“We need to do things right because these women deserve this opportunity to represent our country Nigeria in the best possible way.”
Eleven-time continental champions Nigeria will be making their fourth appearance at the Olympics, with their best previous result being a quarter-final finish in Athens in 2004.
The Falcons reached the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup last year, losing to eventual runners-up England on penalties.
“With this field being small in the Olympics, every team is a top team,” the American tactician added.
“And if you look at our group, again – like the World Cup – it’s the group of death, so to speak.
“Sixteen years without qualifying is a long time and I am extremely proud of the girls. There is work to be done when it comes to our attack, and we will improve before heading to France.
“I am just extremely excited. I know how much it means to the fans of Nigeria, to the NFF, to all the people of Nigeria not to have qualified for 16 years, so I am very thankful and I just appreciate the support.”
