Head coach of the Nigeria women’s national team, Randy Waldrum has admitted that his team are in a tough group at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The nine-time African champions will face co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and Republic of Ireland in Group B.
“It’s scary, to be honest. Our first two games are brutal,” the 66-year-old told FIFA.com.
“Many people have our group ranked as the hardest in the World Cup. The other three teams are all ranked in the top 25 in the world. They all pose different kinds of problems.”
“Just like Canada, Australia has so, so many stars. They have Sam Kerr leading the line and a host of really, really talented players behind her. And if that’s not going to be hard enough, they’re the host nation, so we’ve got a lot to overcome.
“It’s going to be a very, very big challenge for us. Obviously, as a coach, I look forward to these challenges and I think our players also will, but clearly it will be very difficult for us. Look at Australia’s recent performances. They’re handling strong opposition pretty easily. Australia are flying right now and, in a World Cup at home, they’re sure to be flying.”
The Super Falcons will face Haiti in a friendly on Friday in Antalya, Turkey.
Waldrum’s ladies also have another friendly against New Zealand next week Tuesday.
