Nigeria’s spectacular run on the Women’s World Cup might have come to an finish Monday, however coach Randy Waldrum stated their performances had made the football world sit up and take discover.
The Nigerians bowed out once they went down 4-2 on penalties to football heavyweights England when their last-16 encounter completed goalless on the finish of additional time.
Waldrum stated Nigeria, who got here into the event ranked fortieth in the world, had carried out each their nation and the continent of Africa proud.
“They’ve been fantastic the whole tournament,” Waldrum, an American, stated.
“I stated to them after the sport we’ve not misplaced a recreation realistically (exterior the penalty shootout).
“We’ve performed in opposition to the Olympic gold medallists (Canada), the European champions (England) and we saved a clear sheet in each of these video games.
“We played the host nation (Australia) and Ireland, who are in the top 20, and we didn’t lose.”
Waldrum stated Nigeria’s performances, alongside these of South Africa and Morocco, ought to shine a lightweight on African football.
“South Africa was exceptional in their run as well and you saw they created a lot of problems for the Netherlands yesterday,” he stated.
“I hope what we’ve carried out is present the remainder of the world that football in Africa is related.
“I hope people have seen that there is talent there and that we have the ability, and with a little structure and a little organisation, and a commitment to provide the resources that we need, hopefully people see that we can be a major player on the world stage.”
Waldrum stated a very powerful factor was for Nigeria to not lose the momentum they’ve developed in Australia.
“We don’t want to take the success and now not continue to move forward when we get back to Nigeria,” he stated.
Waldrum stated if South Africa have been to win the rights to host the subsequent Women’s World Cup, it will be a significant step in the game’s progress on the continent.
“I think it would be a great opportunity and it would do wonders for football in Africa,” he stated.
“For all of the nations, for all of the younger gamers, to come back and see an setting like we now have seen in Australia could be large for all of the younger girls aspiring to play for their nations.
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