Randy Waldrum reveals teamtalk with Asisat Oshoala before Australia win

By Wale Mustapha

Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Randy Waldrum has disclosed his pre match talks with striker Asisat Oshoala before the team’s 3-2 win over Australia in the Matchday Two of Group B FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday.

The Super Falcons came from a goal down to record the famous win over the tournament co-host with Oshoala scoring what would then be the winning goal of the match as a substitute.

Coach Waldrum admits his conversation with the Barcelona forward from the bench was part of the team’s strategies and game management which paid off.

“Asisat is a player that loves to play. No player wants to be on the bench. I told her prior to the game that she would not be starting,” the American tactician told media.

“I told her that I would need her to be on the pitch for 30mins. I know her quality. I knew it would be better for her that way in the game.

“And you could see that she was amazingly okay. She had physical presence, which caused some problems for Australia, she understood the role given to her,” Waldrum said.

Oshoala has now become the first Nigerian to score in three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup with her goal against the Matildas.