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By Abiodun Adewale
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum is confident of his team’s ability as they progress into the round of 16 of the ongoing Women’s World Cup, where they will play the table toppers from Group D, who are likely going to be European champions England.
Nigeria qualified for the round of 16 as the second-placed team in Group B with five points on Monday after playing a goalless draw against already eliminated Ireland, while co-hosts Australia thrashed Olympic champions Canada 4-0 in a simultaneous game to go top of the group with six points.
The Falcons are in the second round of the Women’s World Cup for the third time in nine appearances and are hoping to continue their fairytale run. Their best outing ever was reaching the quarter-finals in the US in 1999 and were knocked out by Brazil 5-4 after an exhilarating 120 minutes of football.
England, who currently have six points, will top their group if they draw or beat China on Tuesday (today) and American gaffer Waldrum believes the European champions will not be different from any of their group opponents.
“They are going to be another great team, if it’s England, the European champions, we have already played Canada the Olympic gold medallists, we have already played the host nation, it’s just going to be one of those matches that we’ve already been playing,” an elated Waldrum said after the game.
He also added that the Falcons should have won against Ireland.
“I was actually disappointed in the second half because we could have won the match. It almost feel disappointing that we didn’t get the three points but all of us would have taken this result before the match which is to know we got through.”
At this tournament, the Falcons have risen above the odds in a group where they were the least ranked team and also had a shaky preparation, but Waldrum hailed his players for turning doubters to believers.
The Falcons began their campaign with an impressive goalless draw against Canada, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnandozie saving a penalty, before stunning co-hosts Canada 3-2. They finished the group stage unbeaten with the 0-0 against Ireland.