Nigeria's Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has offered insights on the failed Paris 2024 Olympics outing.
Nigeria Women's National Football Team head coach Randy Waldrum has blamed the lack of proper preparation time for the Super Falcons' dismal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Super Falcons crashed out of the tournament after suffering three consecutive defeats, the final blow being a 3-1 loss against Japan in their last group stage match.
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Super Falcons coach speaks on Paris 2024 exit
The American coach, who promised a better display heading into the game against Japan, revealed that the Super Falcons missed the last training window before the Olympics, which cost them 10 days of crucial preparation.
"We prepared for them (all three opponents) based on the fact that we haven't had a lot of time," Waldrum said according to a post by OgaNlamedia via ESPN.
"We missed the last window before the Olympics, and so we missed 10 days of good training before the Olympics," Waldrum explained, acknowledging the challenges the team faced in the build-up to the tournament.
With three defeats and only one goal scored, the Super Falcons fell well short of expectations, leaving their supporters deeply disappointed.
This was the team's first appearance at the Olympics in 16 years, having last participated in the 2008 edition.
Waldrum's admission of the lack of preparation time highlights the need for better planning and investment in the Nigerian women's national team program.
The premature exit has raised questions about the future direction of the Super Falcons and the overall development of women's football in the country.
In a related development, Japan's head coach, Futoshi Ikeda, expressed relief after his team's victory over the Super Falcons.
The Asian side finished top of the group with six points, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
"We are relieved that we were able to win our last group match and advance to the quarterfinals," Ikeda said, praising his players' efforts in navigating the "Group of Death."
As the Super Falcons return home, the focus will shift to the lessons learned and the necessary steps to ensure a stronger showing in future international competitions.
The team's performance in Paris has underscored the importance of proper preparation and the need for sustained investment in the development of women's football in Nigeria.
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