Coach confident in squad depth despite losing key defenders Demehin and Plumptre
“We’ve been working on those plans. Players ready to step in and do the job for us”
Respect for South Africa’s pedigree, but full belief in Nigeria’s Olympic quest
Eko Hot Blog reports that Super Falcons of Nigeria coach, Randy Waldrum, is exuding confidence in his “Plan B” for the injured players in his squad ahead of the crucial Olympic qualifier against South Africa on Friday, April 5.
Coach Randy Waldrum and his team are going into the third round of the 2024 Olympics qualifiers against South Africa without two of the team’s most experienced defenders, Tosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre, who had to withdraw from the squad earlier this week due to fitness issues.
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Despite the setback, Waldrum remains unfazed, telling NFF TV, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those two players, they are both valued and important players to us. They are two mainstays in defense and it is a big loss not to have those two.”
However, the American tactician swiftly revealed his contingency plan, stating, “My first thought and concern is getting them healthy and ensuring they are going to be okay, but I think as a coach you must always have a Plan B, and we’ve been working on those plans. I think we have players who are ready to step in and do the job for us. I think I have confidence in the depth of the squad, and I believe they can come in and do the job for us.”
Waldrum and his girls must defeat South Africa at the MKO Abiola stadium on Friday and grab at least a point in Pretoria four days later to book themselves a place in the 2024 Olympics. The task is daunting, as the Banfana Banfana are the reigning African women’s champions.
Nonetheless, Waldrum is confident that his team has what it takes to knock out the reigning African champions, expressing respect for South Africa’s pedigree while maintaining faith in his side’s abilities.
“My thought about the South African team is that they are a very good side, and they are the women’s champions, and we have to have respect for them,” the American tactician said. “I will guess some of their players are probably not here yet, though the majority of the team may be here already, and I think it is smart to come in here early and train here, but we can’t really worry about what they are doing.”
“We have to just focus and concentrate on the task that we have, and that is to make sure that our players are prepared for their responsibilities for the Friday match.”
Waldrum added, “They have individual talent and upfront they are very dangerous, and the coach has done a very good job. But as I said before the World Cup and I am saying it again, I really like our team, and I have all the confidence that our players will perform really well.”
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As the Super Falcons gear up for this crucial encounter, Waldrum’s confidence in his “Plan B” and unwavering belief in his squad’s depth and capabilities could prove to be the decisive factor in their quest for Olympic glory.
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