I’m ready to get to work – New Nigeria women’s football coach
New Nigeria women’s coach ready for work
JOHANNESBURG, May 12 (ANA) – New Nigeria women’s football coach Randy Waldrum is up to the task of leading a team with heavy expectations, ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers next month.
The draw for the qualifiers was held on Monday, with the Super Falcons – as the Nigeria women’s football team are known – pitted against fellow powerhouse Ghana.
“Everyone knows Nigeria’s history in the Women World Cup, the success and even some of the shortcomings,” said Waldrum.
“I think what any good coach wants is the challenge to see if you can’t take the country even a step farther than they’ve been before.
Despite little time to prepare for the qualifiers set for mid-June, Waldrum was confident his side would be able to produce their best.
“I think you always embrace the challenge. Obviously, this is a difficult draw, we have a lot of respect for Ghana, and we know the strength and power of that team.
“But as far as the pressure of the job and the task at hand, I think that’s something that any competitor truly embraces, and you know I think the biggest thing for me is that I’m just ready to get to work.”
Waldrum said the first objective was to make it through the Afcon qualifiers.
“Our next focus now that we know the draw and how things are going to work, the focus now will be on preparing for those games.”
Waldrum, 64, comes into the position with a wealth of experience having had previous stints with the Trinidad & Tobago Women’s team and the USA Under-23 side.
“I’m really excited and thankful for the opportunity. I have to give a lot of credit to [Nigeria Football Federation] president Amaju Pinnick and general secretary Sanusi.
“I think it’s a great group of talented players and the biggest thing right now is getting enough time with them to fulfil some more of the training and the game models that we want to present.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman