Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus for the entirety of their 2024 Olympics Qualifying matches against South Africa.
The former African champions recently underwent three days of intense training ahead of their first leg clash against South Africa that will take place this evening at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Reflecting on their previous encounter against Cameroon in February, where the Super Falcons dominated the opening exchanges but nearly conceded in the final 20 minutes due to a loss of concentration, Waldrum stressed the need for discipline until the final whistle against Banyana Banyana.
During a press conference, Waldrum highlighted the significance of playing the full 90 minutes, and possibly 120 minutes if necessary, without relaxation or complacency. He acknowledged that at this level of competition, even a momentary lapse in concentration could result in conceding opportunities to the opponent.
Waldrum stated during the press conference: “The last 20 minutes of that match we kinda just hung in. It opened up a few opportunities (for Cameroon) in the game. So it’s just one of those things we have to try and get the team to play the full 90 minutes and 120 if it takes that.”
He added, “You can’t relax at this level and face this kind of competition because it just takes one opportunity. It’s something we have to try and improve on in every match. And that is one thing as we left the match, we talked about the last 20 minutes not being good enough in that match.”
As the Super Falcons gear up for their Olympics Qualifying clashes against South Africa, Waldrum’s emphasis on maintaining focus underscores the team’s determination to secure positive results and advance in the qualification process.
