‘Nigeria ready for hardest Women’s World Cup tie against Ireland’ – Randy Waldrum

“ Ireland have been a bit unlucky in the first two matches and could have got a result.

“We are not expecting them to lay down because they are going home already, I am expecting to get the best from them and have been very impressed with their team and their organisation.” 

With a draw against Canada (0-0) and a stunning 3-2 win over Australia, Nigeria are now on a five-match unbeaten streak, with the chance to go one better in the decisive encounter against the Republic of Ireland.  

Ireland will be Nigeria’s immediate focus but the Super Falcons’ battle for respect and better conditions will be an ongoing mission, Waldrum suggested.

“We need to continue to fight for our players and get the things that they need,” he said.

“We have to keep doing that for all around the world because not all the teams have a collective bargaining like you have here in Australia.

“And the players fought hard to get that for many years. And the same in the U.S. So the work is not done.”