Coach Randy Waldrum has expressed confidence the speed and power of the Super Falcons will get them past European champions England to the quarterfinal of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria and England do battle from 7.30am Monday in a Round of 16 clash in Brisbane.
The Three Lionesses of England were ruthless 6-1 winners against China in a final Group D match to send a serious warning signal to the other teams at this World Cup.
However, Waldrum argued that though China were organised versus England, they lacked the athleticism to trouble the champions of Europe.
“The one difference between us and China is that they don’t have our speed and our strength,” analysed the coach, who praised his team for the class to come out from ‘Group of Death’.
“China were organised, but England were too powerful and played around them.
“We will have to use our strengths to neutralise England.”
The Texan admitted though England will be a huge challenge for his team.
“The match against England will be another challenge, but I think the players are up to it,” he assured.
“We’re playing the European champions and they are champions for a reason. They are a good team, we know that and we respect that.
“They are extremely talented, Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly on the flanks, the way Lauren James is playing and creating all sorts of havoc upfront, Ruso is playing, the whole group.
“But the players know that we played the Olympic Gold medalists (Canada) and Australia, two top 10 teams in the world. They won’t be intimidated by the moment.
He added: “They will give you everything they have. They will come out against England.
“We believe we can get a result.
“Now is the time to go and perform.”
