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Women’s World Cup: Waldrum backs Super Falcons to emulate USA ’99 feat

SUPER Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum is confident his team can match their best-ever performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this year.

The nine-time African champions are one of 32 sides set to feature at the 2023 Women’s World Cup from July 20 to August 20.

The Super Falcons’ best showing at the quadrennial tournament was in the United States of America in 1999 when they won two of three group stage fixtures and reached the quarter-finals, where they lost 4-3 to Brazil on the golden goal rule after erasing a three-goal deficit in regulation time.

“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,” American Waldrum told the Nigeria Football Federation media team.

“This particular team is very talented and has the same ability to go far in the tournament, just like the Class of 1999.”

The 66-year-old collegiate coach, who handled the the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team between 2014 and 2016, believes if all his key players are available the Super Falcons will be a force in Australia and New Zealand.

“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,” he added.

“If we have enough time together, we have the ability to be successful at the World Cup.”

The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group B alongside Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and newcomers Republic of Ireland.

Nigeria will play all their group phase matches in Australia – one in Melbourne and two in Brisbane.

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Naija Times