With the crucial first leg of their Olympic qualifier against South Africa looming on Friday April 5th at the MKO National stadium, Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum is keeping his team focused on the present game.
Waldrum is confident in his squad’s ability to overcome their rivals, emphasizing on his girls talent and determination to secure a spot in the Paris 2024 Games.
In a Press Conference held on Thursday at the stadium’s media center, Waldrum expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the match.
“I certainly understand the importance of the match. We don’t really look back at what’s happened the last two matches or really the last ten matches with our opposition because I think what we’ve worked with our players is to be present now in the moment with what we have. We know they’re a great side, but we feel very strongly that we’re the team to beat and we feel very confident going into the match. And at this point we’re just excited about tomorrow. And at this point we’re just excited about tomorrow.
It needs to hurry up and get here”
Meanwhile, Bayana Bayana’s coach, Desiree Ellis, ever the strategist, struck a balanced note.
Acknowledging her team’s current form, she expressed cautious optimism.
Ellis predicts a close battle between evenly matched teams.
“We’re ready for the game. We know it’s going to be a tough match. Nigeria are so many times African champions, you know, being there, done that at the World Cup. So you cannot take that for granted and you’ve got to respect that.
We’re actually going to be on top of our game, we’re going to bring our A -game, we’re actually going to score the chances that we create, because we are a team that creates chances. You know, we’ve just got to make sure that we don’t concede.
So it’s going to be that type of game where I think it’s going to be very, very tight. We know the two leagues are going to have a tight result as well.”
Adding to the fire, Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade called the game a “revenge match,” emphasizing the team’s burning desire to qualify for the 2024 Olympics.
Also Read: Paris 2024:Ajibade Confident Ahead of Super Falcons Key Qualifier
Ajibade also declared their unwavering determination, stating they are ready to face any opposition to secure their spot in Paris.
“It’s a revenge time for us, of course, we’ve always been coming and having a very tough march against them, so right now we want to go to play at the Olympics this time, so if we have to go there we need to compete against any team, so we’re ready.”
Also speaking, South African captain Refiloe Jane acknowledges the immense pressure the team faces to perform well.
Adding that they not only have a strong desire to succeed, but their ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics and represent Africa.
“The number of years and the number of sacrifices, the hard work that we put throughout the years to get to where we are today, and it keeps on being a journey. And there’s pressure to do well, to go back to the Olympics.
Both teams, powerhouses in Africa, would want to go and represent Africa. We’re going out there to make sure that we can achieve our mandate.”
The first leg, last round qualifying game to the women’s Olympic football event will be played by 5:00 pm WAT at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. With the second leg in Pretoria South Africa.
Similar posts
Top popular
Post comments (0)