WAFCON 2022: Waldrum praises Super Falcons’ display, defends substitutions in Morocco game

The Super Falcons were painfully knocked out of the 2022 WAFCON in dramatic fashion, but the coach believes they left no stone unturned 

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has praised his players for their display in their 5-4 penalty shoot-out loss to Morocco. The American tactician also believes he made the right substitutions in the game

Nigeria were painfully knocked out of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after they lost on penalties to Morocco.

The Super Falcons scored first, but the Atlas Lionesses pulled a goal back. Nigeria's quest to secure a tenth continental title was further hindered after they went two women down with Halimat Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade receiving their marching orders.

Still, the Super Falcons fought like trojans to see out the game till it went into penalties. Unfortunately, Ifeoma Onumonu's penalty was saved, ensuring a 5-4 triumph and a spot in the final for Morocco.

Waldrum has received a lot of backlash for not taking off Onumonu earlier in the game. The Nigerian striker looked spent especially after Ajibade's red card, but he refused to take her out of the game.

After the game, Waldrum defended his decision and praised the players for their spirited efforts.

“We wanted to win the game,” Waldrum said as per OgaNla media.

“We already got the World Cup ticket, but we wanted more. Our substitutions were spot on and we can’t ask for more from the players, they gave their best.”

The Super Falcons will look to redeem themselves when they file out against Zambia in the third-place match on Friday.