Randy Waldrum, head coach of the Super Falcons, attributed Nigeria’s qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games to their defensive organization, following a hard-fought victory over the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.
Nigeria secured their place at Paris 2024 with a narrow 1-0 aggregate scoreline against the reigning African champions, showcasing their defensive solidity throughout the tie.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Waldrum emphasized the importance of defensive organization in overcoming their rivals.
“We were much more organised than the previous times we played them,” Waldrum remarked in the aftermath of the decisive match.
He highlighted the team’s ability to maintain composure and focus amidst the pre-match chatter from South Africa, opting for a quieter approach.
“South Africa talked a lot before these two matches, we just kept quiet. That’s why I felt confident,” Waldrum explained, underscoring his belief in the team’s capabilities.
“I believe in our team and I knew we will be [a] hard team to break down even with their talent,” he added.
“The thing we would then hope is that you finish off one or two of your opportunities to advance and that is what we did,” Waldrum concluded.
With their qualification secured, They now have it all to do when the competition begin in the French capital against the defending champion, Spain, Japan and Brazil in group C. The Olympics is set to kickoff July 26 to August 11, 2024.
