Nigeria’s women’s soccer team has proven their critics wrong, according to coach Randy Waldrum.
The Super Falcons are currently top of Group B in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and they have done so without being favored by many.
“I would say that we were underestimated and underappreciated,” Waldrum said on Sunday. “Hopefully we’ve proven that to the world right now that we belong in a higher place (than 40th).”
Nigeria drew 0-0 with Olympic champions Canada in their opening match, and then they pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over co-hosts Australia. They need only avoid defeat against already eliminated Ireland on Monday to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Waldrum said that his team has been motivated by the doubters. “We’ve had a chip on our shoulder,” he said. “We’ve wanted to prove people wrong.”
The Super Falcons have a rich history in the Women’s World Cup, having reached the quarter final in 1999. They are hoping to make a deep run in this year’s tournament, and they have certainly shown that they are capable of doing so.
“We’re not done yet,” Waldrum said. “We want to keep going.”
Nigeria’s next match is against Ireland on Monday at 11:00 AM local time.