Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has said that the media in Nigeria is very negative following Nigeria’s 2-0 in their second group game at the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations.
The American and his team came under heavy criticism following their lackluster display in their first group game against South Africa.
Super Falcons were the second-best team the entire duration of the game against Banyana Banyana on Monday with Nigeria clearly bereft of ideas.
Coach Randy Waldrum tinkered with his formation which left a few of the players complaining of being played out of position.
“I preferred to play as center-back, but I will give 100% anywhere the coach plays me, said Ashleigh Plumptre after the South Africa game.
The Leicester City central defender played as the left-back against the South Africans in the first game.
Francesca Ordega was only introduced late in the game for the injured Asisat Oshoala. Super Falcons were without a pattern and clueless in the first game.
In fact, South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis claimed she and her girls forced Nigeria to play without a pattern.
“We forced them to play long balls and we knew we can force them to make mistakes at the back which they did, the players deliver our plans.”
Anyone who had seen the Super Falcons play in the past would definitely complain about what they played against South Africa, but coach Randy Waldrum believes the constructive criticisms are distracting the girls.
“Media in Nigeria is very negative,” said Waldrum after leading Nigeria to a deserving 2-0 win against Botswana on Thursday.
“We don’t want distraction in our team.
“We are trying to qualify for the World Cup and the teams must be isolated.”
Nigeria will play their last Group C game against Burundi who had lost their first two games.
A win for Nigeria will see the Super Falcons advance into the last eight with the semifinalists securing slots at the 2023 FIFA Women World Cup.
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