Days after leading the Super Falcons to once more earn a berth at African women football’s flagship tournament – the Women Africa Cup of Nations – American gaffer Randy Waldrum has informed thenff.com that the mission of the current technical staff of the nine-time African champions is to see the team match the world’s best teams yard-for-yard and width-for-width at the most glamorous championships.
The 65-year old, signed on by the Nigeria Football Federation in October 2020 to steer the Falcons to new levels after decades of flagrant domination on the African continent, believes the current squad has the spirit, depth and capacity to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Team USA, Germany, Japan, Norway and Brazil when the die is cast.
The Falcons have been to every single edition of the FIFA World Cup since the competition was launched in 1991, but have only survived group stage attrition on two occasions – in the USA in 1999 and in France 20 years later.
“Our initial mandate as given by the NFF was to qualify the team for the Women AFCON in Morocco. That, we have achieved. However, in the preparation and process, we also had in mind the imperative of building a squad with the strength, stamina and technical balance to give the world’s best teams a good run for their money, anyday and anywhere.
“I am happy that we have qualified for Morocco, where our first goal will be to qualify for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year summer. We will continue to work on the project, getting young players who are good enough to compete with the old guard, and pick the best team always. I like the spirit of the players and their commitment to the cause, and it is an incentive in itself to keep working hard at the project.”
Waldrum, a former American professional soccer player who has coached the USA U23 girls as well as the senior women team of Trinidad and Tobago, underscored his boldness when he handed four players their first caps in the crucial 2022 Women AFCON final qualifying round, first leg match against the Lady Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in Abuja on 18th February. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre (who has trained with the Nigeria team since August 2021 but got FIFA go-ahead to represent Nigeria at senior level in December 2021), midfielder Amanda Mbadi and forwards Ifeoma Onumonu and Esther Okoronkwo gave good accounts of themselves on the day.
Plumptre was the heart-throb of the crowd with her strength and savvy in defence, while Onumonu, who plays for Gotham FC in New York, scooped the honours by scoring both goals that handed Nigeria the advantage in the two-leg fixture.
Okoronkwo, who plays for Saint Etienne in France, was the heroine in the return leg, hammering the nail in the coffin of the Ivorians with an 87th minute goal that sealed a 3-0 aggregate win, after goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had saved a penalty with 11 minutes left in the first period.
Ageless and tireless stallion Francisca Ordega scored a goal that was ruled out in the opening half, and the fact that the Falcons felt strongly that they were denied a penalty of their own summed up the fact that they gave as much as they received in Abidjan. The performance ledger was of a different colour from the way they puttered and petered out against the same Ivorians in the race for a spot at the 2020 Olympic Women’s Football Tournament.
Veterans Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale also stood firm in defence, with Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade pulling strings in midfield.
Talking about strength-in-depth, another veteran, Rita Chikwelu still have some fire in the middle of the pack, and Uchenna Kanu and Christy Ucheibe can add lustre at the fore on their day.
There are still options like Akudo Ogbonna, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, Nicole Payne and Christy Ogbonna in the defence, with veteran Tochukwu Oluehi able to deputise for the fabulous Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal. In the midfield, Amarachi Okoronkwo can deliver long passes and bullet shots when least expected, and Ngozi Okobi is able to provide penetrating passes that puts the strikers in good steads to deliver. Regina Otu and the Israel-based duo of Yetunde Aluko and Peace Efih are additional ammunition in midfield.
The nifty Gift Monday remains a strong force in attack, and is sure to challenge Onumonu and Okoronkwo for starting places when the team regroups sometimes in April.
The picture is of a New Nigeria squad that is able and blessed in all departments, and could achieve great things under a focused technical crew. Waldrum, recently handed a fresh two-year contract that will last till after the World Cup in Down Under, has no doubts whatsoever that his team could become one of the world’s very best soonest.
“The girls are bold, inventive and help one another out there on the pitch. It is a good picture that brings good feelings and you have the conviction that this is a team that can do great things.”
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COMMENTS
I can’t stop loving coach Waldrum. Wise, technically sound. Smart, he’s tactically there.
Very humble, easy going man.
“Waldrum, a former American professional soccer player who has coached the USA U23 girls as well as the senior women team of Trinidad and Tobago, underscored his boldness when he handed four players their first caps in the crucial 2022 Women AFCON final qualifying round, first leg match against the Lady Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in Abuja on 18th February. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre (who has trained with the Nigeria team since August 2021 but got FIFA go-ahead to represent Nigeria at senior level in December 2021), midfielder Amanda Mbadi and forwards Ifeoma Onumonu and Esther Okoronkwo gave good accounts of themselves on the day”.
Wow. This man is like the former Falcons coach, Mr. Dennerby.
So far so good, I am satisfied with coach Waldrum. He has not given excuses like the former world class coach of the Super Eagles coach.
He risk his life against Ivory coast by using two to three new players in a crucial match against the Ivory coast. Ah, something that Oga Rohr failed to do during his time with Eagles.
Something that our own should emulate against Ghana. Can they do it against Ghana this month? Let’s wait and see.
Coach Waldrum refused to recycle players like the former Super Eagles gaffer, he’s doing
his thing systematically, replacing the experienced players with the young players.
Let see what he will be able to achieve with the team at the next year Women African cup of Nations.
This man deserve a loud ovation. The first coach of the female national team to win a tournament outside Africa in less than a month or so.
Less than a year or so, he qualified Super Falcons to Women Africa Nations Cup.
This coach Waldrum used his weakiest team against USA and he shocked the world in that match. I am proud of you so far coach Waldrum. Keep up the great work. God bless Nigeria!!!
_ Can Waldrum Take Falcons Higher? _
In two games thus far played against teams placed higher than Nigeria in the Fifa rankings, Waldrum’s Super Falcons are yet to record a single victory.
Against Portugal (placed 29 in the Fifa rankings) on 14 June last year, the team was very impressive in their 3:3 draw. Rasheedat Ajibade and Amarachi Okonkwo scored 2 of the goals sandwiched between a Portuguese own goal.
Three days later, Waldrum’s ladies lost gallantly to the number one team in the world United States in a boisterous stadium where they set up with a defensive 5-3-2 formation to help tame the fury of the American strike force led by the merciless Megan Rapinoe.
The Super Falcons are currently placed 41 in the Fifa rankings.
Against teams placed lower than Nigeria in the rankings, Waldrum’s ladies have returned seven wins out of ten, losing to South Africa, Ghana and Jamaica. But the loses do nothing to dim how impressive this 70% win ratio is. Furthermore, qualifying for the Afcon by overcoming continental powerhouses Ghana and Ivory Coast only goes to show that the Super Falcons are punching their weight under relentless Randy.
But clearly he wants more, the NFF wants more and the fans yearn for more. The collective ambition is to see the Super Falcons set the bar higher and forge to ever greater frontiers in world football.
It is high time the Super Falcons starts punching above her weight and with some arrogance too.
“We also [have] in mind the imperative of building a squad with the strength, stamina and technical balance to give the world’s best teams a good run for their money, anyday and anywhere.” Expressed an ambitious Randy.
And that is what I will be closely monitoring in games to come.
The team showed a lot of character and resourcefulness against Portugal and the USA last year but going forward, these sort of encounters will need to be laced with compelling swashbuckling victories as a marker of Waldrum achieving his own ambitions.
The NFF are pretty good at lining up ‘A’ grade friendlies for the Super Falcons and also tends to register them for mouthwatering invitational tournaments. More of these will be greatly appreciated in months to come.
With young, dynamic and effervescent dual nationality and homegrown players being injected to the squad of mature, visionary cool heads like evergreen Onome Ebi, Waldrum (fresh off signing a new 2 year contract) is positive that his ladies can reach new heights and bring joy to the fans.
“The girls are bold, inventive and help one another out there on the pitch. It is a good picture that brings good feelings and you have the conviction that this is a team that can do great things.” Enthused the American coach.
Good talk Coach.
Winning 2 – 0 at home was welcome, although the Ivorian played the more coordinated soccer. Winning 1 – 0 away was, to be frank, unexpected. And that on top of having an allegedly Good goal disallowed.
Continuing to tweak the composition of the team is important. No favouritism. Team play needs to improve. Creating more chances and converting a higher proportion will achieve better results. Let’s see the effect of training on the field.
Overall, congratulations. We are on the right trajectory. Well done to the NFF and the changes to the coaching crew it effected. Improvement seen vis-a-vis previous Ghana round.
Morgan oo. The away win was NOT unexpected only to people who no sabi ball. In Abuja, even when CIV were camped in our half in the 2nd half, there was always a feeling that if we get a chance we will score again. Remember a very good goal was ruled out inexplicably in the first half in Abuja. Similar scenario in Abidjan. In effect it should have been a 5nil agreegate. What people don’t understand is for all the dribbles & stylish play u have to be effective. We were BY FAR the most effective over the 2legs. We defended well when they attacked then cut them wide open when we attacked. Case closed.
The Super Falcons has to win this African Cop of Nations cop oderwise they haf failed.
You can’t win the cup all the time neither should you be fed up winning the cup.
Nigeria has won the cup now the last three editions normally or at some point another team may win it otherwise it gets boring and lacks that competitiveness.
Not saying the falcons should play not to win of course as a Nigerian you want the ultimate price all the time if possible but saying not winning the cup is a failure I think I shall disagree to that.
Our aim should be the cup but if it doesn’t happen making it to the last four which gives us the ticket to the world cup is a success
_ Nigeria Ready to Crush Congo _
The NFF has released the list of 20 ruthlessly efficient under 17 damsels expected to bring distress to their Congolese counterparts across two legs of second round world cup qualifiers this March.
The away leg is set for the 6th in Kinshasa Congo whilst the home leg on the 19th will be played in Benin City.
Nigeria contingent fly out to Kinshasa this Friday.
The Congolese team have been talking tough stating that they are very ready to dress the Flamingos down in their neck of the woods. The Nigerian ladies have also be boasting, but theirs have been on the pitch by demolishing opponents in tune up matches.
As Nigeria failed to qualify for the last edition of the tournament, coach Bankole is pulling out all the stops to ensure the West African juggernauts qualify for this year’s tournament in India slated for October.
From the likes of fantastic Faith Omilana in goal to authentic Alvine Dah-Zossu as the arrow head, the Flamingos are out to obliterate their opponents.
That said, it is not expected to be a stroll in the park for Nigeria as the Congolese promise to put up a ferocious fight.
But with three quarter final achievements in previous under 17 women’s world cup tournaments, an illustrious female senior national team set up and a decent domestic female football set up, the Flamingos have experience, quality, reputation and pedigree on their side.
Egypt lie in wait in the next round for the winner of this tie.
Flamingos Squad for Congo:
Goalkeepers: Faith Omilana (Honey Baggers); Linda Jiwuaku (Club Unknowing)
Defenders: Blessing Sunday (Edo Queens); Comfort Folorunsho (Delta Queens); Confidence Iwoha (Club Unknown); Tumininu Adesina (Naija Ratels); Mamuzo Edafe (Club Unknown); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels); Olamide Oyinlola (Club Unknown)
Midfielders: Blessing Emmanuel (Club Unknown); Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens);
Chidera Okenwa (Club Unknown); Aminat Bello (SGH Amazons).
Attackers: Sofiat Bankole (Club Unknown); Alvine Dah-Zossu (Osun Babes); Anastasia Atume (Club Unknown); Kafayat Bashiru (Club Unknown); Raheemot Adebayo (FC Robo); Joy Igbokwe (Club Unknown); Opeyemi Ajakaye (Club Unknown)
Congo: we can make Nigeria weep
As the crucial winner-takes-all double header under 17 women’s world cup qualifiers between Nigeria and Congo draw ever closer, members of the Congolese team have effectively thrown down the gauntlet.
Speaking on their training ground to TV network CGTN Africa, their goalkeeper and coach were emphatic in stating their readiness to flatten the Flamingoes of Nigeria across two legs.
“We have a good spirit and we are working towards defeating our opponents (Nigeria) when we meet them,” said a supremely confident goalkeeper Michealla Luluemba.
That sentiment was echoed by Congo Under 17 Women’s coach Lry Mafobe who said boldly: “we have a very good team who have potential……. We won’t fear the Nigerian team because we are up to the task.”
Damsel Congo Striker Chrismie Pingi Saka on her own part encouraged the home fans to come out in droves to watch their match as they won’t be disappointed in how the team will play against Nigeria.
“Our supporters shouldn’t be discouraged,” she said. “They should come to watch us; they keep complaining we don’t play well. I am challenging them to come and watch our match (against Nigeria), they will be happy.”
The Flamingoes, for themselves, are also busy preparing ruthlessly for the encounter by defeating local club sides with insane score lines like 12:0. Having missed the last tournament, they are eager to make up for lost times.
This 1st round of qualifiers are scheduled to take place between the 6th and 19th of March with Nigeria playing the first leg away.
Only three teams from Africa will eventually qualify for the World Cup after three rounds of qualifiers.
https://youtu.be/js8XcrSIOak
Flamingos Goalkeepers: the best on the _continent ahead of Congo clash?_
Leading up to the much anticipated second round Under 17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Congo, Nigeria’s Flamingos goalkeeping department is very much in solid and safe hands.
The fabulous, fearsome fivesome of Linda Jiwuaku (Club Unknowing), Christiana Uzoma (Nasarawa Amazons); Faith Omilana (Honey Baggers); Jessica Inyama (Immaculate Queens); and Odinaka Nweke (Rivers Angels) were all in inspired form as the team prepares for a compelling performance against Congo.
This has now been whittled down to just 2 for the cracking yet crucial Congo clash. These are Faith Omilana and Linda Jiwuaku. We haven’t heard the last of the dropped goalkeepers as they have a huge, vibrant and exciting future ahead of them.
In one of their tune up matches this month, these delightful damsels kept a clean sheet in the 13:0 whitewashing of WACO Ladies in Abuja. They just can’t be breached; a foretaste of the difficulties Congo can expect to face in trying to get anything out of this encounter.
In the recently concluded senior Afcon Women’s qualifier away to Ivory Coast, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie pulled a rabbit out her hat with a penalty save of deluxe quality to keep the pendulum squarely swinging in Nigeria’s favour. In fact, in Chiamaka Nnadozie and Tochukwu Oluehi, Nigeria boasts of arguably two of best women goalkeepers in the continent presently.
These Flamingoes goalkeepers of Jiwuaku,Uzoma, Omilana, Inyama and Nweke all expect to follow in the fantastic footsteps of their Super Falcons elder sisters.
And they all come across as being precocious with net-minding skills that both exciting and compelling.
Strong, forceful performances in the qualifiers will see them play at the Under 17 World Cup where their unique skills will be on display for all to see.
And hopefully, the selected first choice goalkeeper can help Nigeria break new grounds at the World Cup by going beyond the quarter finals this time around, should they qualify.
But for now, it’s one qualifier at a time. The Congo contest will be another opportunity to see what these qualitiy colleens can conjure.
Fans are neck deep in anticipation!