“The American tactician axed the Nigerian media at the post-match conference after the victory over Botswana, but he has been called to order
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has revealed that he criticized the Nigerian media because he wants them to dwell more on the positives even when the team loses.
The Super Falcons began their journey to a tenth Women's Africa Cup of Nations trophy on a poor note. Nigeria lost 2-1 to South Africa in their opening fixture of the tournament.
Asides from the loss, the quality of play was poor, with the Super Falcons lacking cohesion in attack.
However, they bounced back with an impressive 2-0 victory over Botswana. It was a dominant display from Nigeria, as they showed class on the night and created more chances than they did against South Africa.
However, before the win against Botswana, Nigerian journalists complained that they were barred from following the team and conducting interviews with the women.
The issue was brought bare at the post-match conference for the game against Botswana. And the American gaffer insisted that the Nigerian media had a negative effect on the Super Falcons.
Nonetheless, Waldrum soon withdrew his statements after a caution from the Nigeria Football Federation.
Ahead of the final group game against Burundi, Waldrum explained the motive for his earlier statements.
“I'm a big believer in building the Women's game,” Waldrum said as per OgaNla media.
“And I just think we need the media because they are important to us
“I'd like to see positives in our game. We all should be held accountable when we don't win, and questions should be asked.
“But I think there are so many positives about not only the team, the Super Falcons, and the players individually. But there are also positives about all the teams in this tournament.
“For now we are trying to grow the Women's game. We just need as much positive news as we can. We're still not viewed at the same level as the men's game.
“And those things sometimes for a coach can be frustrating. Because there are so many things that we can do better to promote our game than just bury the players, bury the staff, and bury the federation all the time.”
Nigeria trade tackles against Burundi who are the weeping girls of the group. And nothing short of victory is expected from the nine-time African champions.
