The head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons Randy Waldrum has expressed his disappointment in his side’s goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their final Women’s World Cup Group B game but admitted that they would have gladly accepted qualification to the Round of 16 prior to the kickoff of the tournament.
Before the encounter, the Super Falcons topped Group B, making their goalless draw against Ireland allow co-hosts Australia to move up to first place after the Matildas thrashed Olympic champions Canada 4-0.
Randy Waldrum’s pay dispute with the NFF had overshadowed Nigeria’s preparation going into the World Cup after the American complained about being owed for seven months while some of his players have not been paid for two years.
Waldrum however said he was proud of what his team has achieved despite the complaints.
“I just told them that two years ago, when we started this journey, so many things went well and so many things didn’t go well. They never gave up, they continued to believe,” a delighted Waldrum explained after they qualified for the last 16.
“You know, I was actually disappointed in the second half because we could have won the match. So it almost feels disappointing that we didn’t get the result, the three points.
“But all of us would have taken this result before we started the match just to know we got through.”
The Super Falcons will remain in Brisbane to face the winners of Group D, presently topped by England after two games ahead of second-placed Denmark ahead of their final group matches.
“If it’s England, it’s the European champions. We’ve already played the Olympic gold medallists (Canada). We’ve already played the host nation (Australia),” Waldrum noted.
“So it’s just going to be another one of those matches that we’ve already been playing in.”
Republic of Ireland will return home with their first ever point at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and coach Vera Pauw said it was a “fantastic feeling” to draw against Nigeria. She described the nine-time African champions as a top-10 nation despite the African side being ranked 40th in the world.
“They are the 11-time African champions and we had the better play. They always looked dangerous but we were in control, we created chances,” Pauw said.
“I think we can be really proud. We played three top 10 nations, I think Nigeria are a top 10 nation, we have played equal games against them. We lost by penalty (against Australia), an own goal (against Canada) and now we draw.
“It’s amazing, those players came into this tournament as very good players and they go out as world stars. It will change their lives, they will get other contracts and more opportunities and the next generation can step in.”
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