Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-23 03:23:45
Head Coach of the Super Falcons, Randy Waldrum, is filled with optimism as he looks ahead to the upcoming football qualifiers against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon with the aim of securing a spot in the football event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The first leg of the qualifiers will see Cameroon hosting Nigeria in Douala. Waldrum is buoyed by the memory of the last encounter between Nigeria and Cameroon at the African Women’s Nations Cup in Morocco, where the Super Falcons emerged victorious over the Lionesses to secure qualification for the 2022 Women’s World Cup. Despite an impressive performance at the World Cup, the Falcons ultimately lost to England in the second round via a penalty shootout. Waldrum is eager for his team to build on the momentum from that experience and secure a spot at the Olympics, acknowledging that Cameroon fields one of the strongest teams in Africa.
The coach acknowledged the challenge posed by the tight FIFA window in terms of preparation time but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to leverage the momentum gained from the World Cup. Waldrum emphasized that the team’s morale is high and is optimistic about a strong performance in the upcoming match. He also revealed that following the first leg, they will have sufficient time to prepare for the second leg in Abuja.
In preparation for the game, Waldrum has recalled several key players including fabulous defender Ashley Plumptre, Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne, and Christy Ucheibe, who put on a strong performance at the World Cup in Australia. The team also includes the talented youngster Deborah Abiodun, as well as seasoned players such as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, and Esther Okoronkwo. The team’s attacking lineup is recognized as one of the most formidable in women’s football.
In addition, the Super Falcons boast a strong defense led by veteran defender Osinachi Ohale and supported by younger players Tosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran. Although Cameroon will be without star player Ajara Njoya Nchout, Waldrum is wary of underestimating the Lionesses.
Following the first leg in Cameroon, both teams will travel to Abuja for the return leg at the MKO Abiola National Stadium. The winner over two legs will secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Other match-ups in the qualifiers include South Africa’s Banyana Banyana against Tanzania, as well as Tunisia taking on Morocco and Ghana hosting Zambia. The winners of these matches will battle it out for the second African ticket to Paris.
