Lack of opposition information responsible for slow start against Mali, says Falcons coach

The lack of proper opposition information was responsible for the slow start of the Super Falcons in their 2-0 win over Mali in the opening fixture of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s tournament according to coach Randy Waldrum.

Waldrum admitted that the Falcons failed to score early due to the high-intensity system deployed by the Malians, which the Super Falcons coaching team knew very little about.

In a post-match interview, he said, “It was difficult to find videos of the Mali team, and the only one I saw was their match against Morocco, which I used to scout. They played well and are well-organised.

“We didn’t have a great start. The Malians pressed so high and were well-managed at the back. We could only find space when we went wide.

“The Malians are dangerous and played long balls. So, we made some changes in the second half and brought in more players in the midfield.

“The reserves were the game-changers because they brought the needed difference into the encounter,” Waldrum said.

The opening fixture against Mali was played at the remodelled Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly known as Onikan Stadium in Lagos and had a host of VIP personalities in attendance including the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

Others included the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, and NFF First Vice-President, Seyi Akinwumi.

The opening fixture of the Aisha Buhari Cup saw the Super Falcons defeat their Malian counterparts 2-0, courtesy of a brace from super-sub Gift Monday.

Monday was subbed in for star forward Desire Oparanozie, and she repaid Waldrum’s faith scoring in the 83rd minute, before adding her second in the second minute of extra time.

Speaking after the match, Gift Monday revealed her pride in representing and scoring for the Super Falcons

She said, “What inspired me most was that I was playing on home ground and I am happy to represent my country. So, I had to give my best. I followed the instructions given to me by the coach, and I am proud of the goals.”

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