2023 FIFA WWC: My Super Falcons can emulate class of 1999 – Randy Waldrum

Nigeria women’s head coach, Randy Waldrum has reiterated confidence in his current Super Falcons group as they gear up for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Class of 1999, led by Florence Omagbemi, defeated North Korea 2-1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with goals from Mercy Akide and Rita Nwadike, before losing 7-1 to the USA despite taking a second-minute lead through Nkiru Okosieme.

Waldrum said he believes that the present crop of Super Falcons is capable of emulating the 1999 set, and match their predecessors’ feat of a quarterfinals place at the global finals.

“I am confident and realistic about this. We have an abundance of talents in the squad and I am convinced they can go that far. This particular team is very talented and has the same ability to go far in the tournament, just like the Class of 1999,” the American told NFF TV.

“To be able to achieve this and even more, we need to have all players in fit condition, healthy and most importantly have enough time together. If we have enough time together, we have the ability to be successful at the World Cup.”

Nigeria seek to improve their previous performance on their 10th appearance on the global stage, the most by any African side, having completed at all the previous nine editions since the inception of the tournament.

The Super Falcons have been drawn alongside Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and Republic of Ireland in Group B of the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, and will play all their group phase matches in Australia – one in Melbourne and two in Brisbane.