Nigeria coach optimistic they can beat Banyana Banyana

Nigeria will take on Banyana at home in Abuja on Friday evening, then travel to South Africa for a second leg next Tuesday.

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Waldrum who led the Super Falcons to a last-16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup says though they know how strong the South African team is, he’s confident his players can secure a victory.

''We know the talent that South Africa has, but I feel strongly about our players and that they have what it takes. We are just excited about the game,'' said Waldrum.

Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations 11 times while Banyana won their maiden title in 2022.

The last time the West African nation faced South Africa in the group stages of the WAFCON, Banyana won 2-1, a result the coach insists they’re not worried about going into this fixture.

''We certainly understand the importance of the match, and we don't really look back on what happened in the last two matches. We want our players to be present in the moment,'' added Waldrum.

Waldrum, who in February extended his contract with the Super Falcons says the results in this clash are critical, not how many goals they score.