Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has acknowledged the significant loss of injured players Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde for the Olympics, describing them as top-quality players, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Speaking ahead of today’s international friendly against Olympic champions Canada, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Spain time (5:30 p.m. Nigeria time) at the La Quinta Football Centre in Malaga, Spain, Waldrum expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt.
Waldrum praised the ongoing training camp and the emergence of new talent, emphasizing the players’ sharpness and confidence. “The players are excited; they have been sharp and full of confidence. I like what I am seeing at this camp. The players are full of confidence coming out of the World Cup; they know they can face the best teams in the world,” he said.
He highlighted the blend of experienced players and rising stars, noting that this combination bodes well for the team’s future. Despite the absence of Plumptre and Ayinde, Waldrum is optimistic about the depth in the squad, mentioning players like Chidinma Okeke, Deborah Abiodun, and Toni Payne as capable replacements.
“When you lose Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde, they are two world-class players tough for any team to lose, especially both of them. But somebody else has to step up and replace them,” Waldrum explained. He pointed out Okeke’s performance at left-back and the solid midfield options available.
Looking ahead to the friendly against Canada, Waldrum emphasized the importance of performance over results, especially with some players returning from injury. “Canada are Olympic champions, so we expect a tough match, and the girls are ready,” he said.
Waldrum also acknowledged the challenging group Nigeria faces at the Olympics, which includes Brazil, Japan, and world champions Spain. However, he remains confident in the team’s readiness to compete.
The last encounter between Nigeria and Canada ended in a 0-0 draw during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B opener on July 21, 2023, where Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a penalty from veteran Christine Sinclair and made 14 other crucial saves.
