Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons have exceeded expectations – Rachael Ayegba 

By Saheed Afolabi

Former international, Rachael Ayegba believes Nigeria have exceeded expectations at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons scaled through the perceived group of death at the 32-nation competition to qualify for the knockout stage and they have commanded encomiums from sport personalities for their heroic performances.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Ayegba has been impressed with the Falcons showing at the mundial and the squad have improved tremendously compared to the last World Cup in France.

“I have been really impressed with the Super Falcons’ performances. They have exceeded my expectations,” Ayegba told BBC.

“Compared to four years ago at the World Cup in France, our game has really changed with the way we are attacking opponents. Playing against the Olympic champions Canada or the co-host nation, when 99.9% of the people in the stadium were supporting Australia, we are not scared of anyone.

“There is a lot of improvement because we have Asisat Oshoala playing for Barcelona, Rasheedat Ajibade at Atletico Madrid – most of the players are now professional, so they are not scared of anyone.

“The more we expose these African players, the more we get better results from this kind of competition.”

The West Africans progressed to the knockout stages without a defeat in three matches and the Nigeria legend has lauded Randy Waldrum for his style of play which had given the team’s some positive results.

“The coach, Randy Waldrum, has done really well – I have to give him that. The best form of defence is attack, as you keep more of the ball,” she continued.

“Even so, against the Republic of Ireland you could see the nervousness. They did not want to concede and their opponents had nothing to lose, so that was an extra battle.”

The Super Falcons will lock horns with England in the round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.