Nigeria reaches knockout stage at WWC for third time in its history

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Aug 2023 10:01

If England earns one point against China, it would set up the team for a potential match against Nigeria.

Ireland's Ruesha Littlejohn, left, battle for the ball with Nigeria's Antionette Payne during the Women's World Cup Group B football match between Ireland and Nigeria in Brisbane, Australia, July 31, 2023. (AP)

As Nigeria's Women's football team is making strides at the Women's World Cup, their coach Randy Waldrum said on Monday that the team is "destined for something special."

In their last wins against Australia and Ireland, the Super Falcons have now joined the last 16 and will potentially match against England.

Nigeria had beaten Australia by 3-2, got into a stalemate with Canada's Olympic champions, and made a remarkable victory against Ireland, paving the way towards tougher matches at the tournament.

If England earns one point against China, it would set up the team for a potential match against Nigeria.

"We were 20 spots below all the other teams in the group -- at a minimum -- in the rankings," said Waldrum.

"It's testament to these players, they have not been given everything that other federations have but given the opportunity to get here they have put everything into it," the 66-year-old Texan added.

"I just feel like they all believe we are destined for something special at this World Cup. Our journey is not over and we will be very, very well prepared for whoever we play next week.

"I give the credit to the players. It is an amazing group of women."

Since the tournament began in 1991, Nigeria has been to all nine Women's World Cups.

This time, however, may be considered exceptional as the country's team has reached the knockout stage for the third time in its history.

Waldrum said his team feared nobody, not even England.

"Bring on the European champions, why not?

"Don't count us out against England, we will be prepared."