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‘We’re in this all together’: Randy Waldrum appreciates support for Nigerian squad at FIFA Women’s World Cup

A few days after Nigeria’s opening match scoreless draw against Canada at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Pitt’s Randy Waldrum, Head Coach of the Super Falcons, was upbeat and positive about his team and their chances heading into Thursday’s showdown against hosts Australia at the Women’s World Cup.

Waldrum stated and reiterated that his club has received a lot of positive support leading up to, during their opening match, and in the days that have followed.

“Keep supporting us. We appreciate the support. All of the messages I’ve gotten from Nigeria. And the Nigerians here in Australia, they were really great,” Waldrum said on Sunday.

“Just keep sending positive vibes to this team, because we’re in this all together.”

Nigeria showed plenty of fight and created numerous scoring chances, earning one point in the first match of the group stage against the World’s number seventh ranked club. Nigeria is currently ranked 40th according to the latest FIFA rankings.

Randy Waldrum’s Nigeria Super Falcons battle Canada to hard-fought, scoreless draw at Women’s World Cup opener

In between matches, Waldrum discussed his club’s approach as they’ve been striving for the proper balance of recovery and preparation ahead of their match vs the host nation, which will be played on Thursday night in Brisbane (6 a.m. ET kickoff on Fox), not too far from where they’ve been training.

“It’s good. We did some recovery training for those players that played a lot of minutes. Got some yoga, recovery training. Got them in the pool. But also got them a break, to do some sight seeing around the hotel. It was good for them to be out, they’ve been so isolated in camp.”

The next two matches for the squad will be played in the evenings (Australia time), so Waldrum and his staff have transitioned training accordingly.

“We’ll want to simulate that,” Waldrum added.

“But so far, the mood in camp seems to be in a very good place right now.”

Nigeria will complete its Group Stage competition vs Ireland, on Monday, July 31, also to be played in the evening (Australia time), kicking off at 6 a.m. (ET).

While Waldrum’s squad has been getting a lot of positive support from the Nigerian people and its most devout supporters of the National Team, he’s also generated plenty of interest and support in the United States.

The veteran coach also took some time out to show his appreciation.

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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