The nine-time African champions had a poor showing in their opening fixture against South Africa, but the gaffer is willing to learn from his errors
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has promised that the team would learn from the mistakes they made in their 2-1 loss against South Africa and do better against Botswana.
Nigeria kicked off their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defense on a bad note. The nine-time champions suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Banyana. However, the loss was not the only thing that sparked controversy.
The Super Falcons gave a flat performance until the late embers of the game. Instead of a more organized display and using the midfield as proper transition play should be, the Super Falcons found it easier to lump the ball forward from the defense for the attackers to chase.
Asisat Oshoala and Ifeoma Onumonu were silent throughout the game due to a lack of service.
Despite the team’s shortcomings, Waldrum believes that the Super Falcons will do better when they file out against Botswana on Thursday.
“I was surprised with our performance in the attack,” Waldrum said after the game as per OgaNla Media.
“We got a late goal and we tried to get back in the game, we are still positive.
“I am looking forward to how we can improve, we will look at the areas we were exposed and we will make those corrections.
“We can’t panic at this period, we still have two group games and we have to improve.
“We will analyze and review individual players’ performance and make the right decisions in the next games.”
The Super Falcons have a chance to redeem themselves when they lock horns with group leaders Botswana.
Nigeria are the overwhelming favorite, and if the team can gel and find some attacking flow, it could end up in a basketball scoreline for the South African ladies.
But one clear thing is that Waldrum has to get his setup right if the Falcons are going to claim a tenth title.