SUPER Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, believes his side should have been ranked higher in the latest FIFA rankings released on Friday by the world body.
The nine-time African champions moved up eight places from 40th to 32nd, following their impressive performance at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they reached the round of 16 for the third time in the history of the competition.
Waldrum’s team defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2, ranked 10th, and earned draws against Olympic champions Canada who were ranked seventh and Ireland, ranked 21st, before losing to European champions and eventual finalists England, ranked third, on penalties in the round of 16.
Trojan News Media gathered that the 66-year-old believes the Falcons should be ranked among the top 20 women’s teams in the wake of their outstanding display at the World Cup.
“Absolutely, we should be much higher after getting out of the group of death, not losing any game in 90 minutes, draw against defending Olympic Gold medalist (ranked 7), defeating host nation (ranked 10), draw against Ireland (ranked 21), and draw against European Champions England (ranked 3), we should at least be in the top 20,” Waldrum, who also coaches the Pittsburgh Panthers women’s team in the US.
Waldrum also took to Twitter to express his disappointment, saying, “Must say I am a little surprised at this to say the least…not in a positive way!”
Also reacting to the Falcons rise in the latest ranking, the team’s former defender, Yinka Kudaisi, said the team deserved a better ranking.
Kudaisi capped 17 times, featured at the Women’s World Cup, WAFCON and the Olympic Games.
“I think I will agree with Waldrum on this issue, the Falcons deserve to be ranked better than the 32nd position they currently occupy,” she told the press.
“Personally, I didn’t expect the kind of performance they produced at the World Cup. They proved themselves and shamed critics who never gave them a chance.”
Meanwhile, Waldrum, whose contract expires October 31, says he will love to continue as the Falcons coach.
“I am proud of my team,” Waldrum told journalist Osasu Obayuwana.
“I want to stay with this team and continue working towards the Olympics (Paris 2024). But that is not a matter for me to decide.”
No Apology For Backing A Northern Candidate, I Am A Northerner And I Would Go For A Northerner; And No Apologies For That. I have Never Hidden This – Abdullahi Adamu
WHEN asked, Was the issue of Senator Ahmed Lawan as the party’s candidate an initiative you took out of your...
Read more
I Am Ready To Contribute To The Development Of Edo State With Full Commitment – Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine (SOA)
TEXT of message to Esan leadership summit on Edo Gubernatorial Race 2024 by the National Chronical, held at Eguare-Irrua, Esan...
Read more
Nigeria @63: Institutional Conspiracy, Corruption Key Reasons Why Nigeria Growth Is Stunted
THE National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure has decried the pace of growth Nigeria has witnessed since...
Read more
Forget Anointing A Successor, You Haven’t Been Fair, Equitable And Inclusive – Edo PDP Tells Obaseki
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) subtly rejected Governor Godwin Obaseki's proposition to be fairness, equity and inclusion in producing his...
Read more
Edo 2024: For Prof Akhaine, Dry Bones Shall Rise Again, By Otor Drama
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally fixed September 21 next year for the governorship election in Edo State....
Read more
Akwa Ibom Guber Poll: Tribunal Upholds Umo Eno’s Election
THE Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Akwa Ibom State, has upheld the election of Pastor Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic...
Read more
Court Sacks Plateau Speaker
THE Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Moses Sule has been sacked by the state election petitions tribunal. The...
Read more
Process Of Seeking My Successor Must Show Sense Of Inclusion – Obaseki
THE Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the process of choosing his successor ahead of the Governorship election...
Read more
Tribunal Sacks Enugu PDP Lawmaker, Orders Rerun
THE National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Enugu State has nullified the return of Hon. Okey Mbah...
Read more
Delta Tribunal Upholds Sheriff Oborevwori’s Victory, Dismisses Petition By Omo-Agege
THE Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Friday, affirmed the victory of Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)...
Read more
EDO 2024: Dennis Idahosa’s Track Records Speaks For Him
THE recently concluded 2023 general election has sparked newfound political awareness among the youth wing, This awakening was evident in...
Read more
I Have No Regrets Supporting Atiku — Prince Kassim Afegbua On Atiku Abubakar
"I have no regrets supporting Asiwaju Tinubu for President. In taking my decision, I examined all the variables. Atiku Abubakar...
Read more
Imo Governorship: End Of The Road For Apapa Group As Supreme Court affirms Achonu’s Candidacy, Legitimizes Abure Leadership Of Labour Party
THE Supreme Court of Nigeria today dismissed an appeal brought before it by one Basil Maduka against the Labour Party...
Read more
BREAKING: Apapa And His Boys Were Thoroughly Disgraced, Their Case Dismissed And Were Told To Apologize To Labour Party At The Supreme Court Today
TODAY in supreme court judgment, a final solution has finally come to light as Lamidi Apapa, the purported embattled Labour...
Read more
More Stories
Asaba 2023: FCT Athletes Protest Manipulation, Bias At National Youth Games
Ex-Ballon d’Or Winner Hails Victor Boniface
2023 Women’s World Cup, Jorge Vilda Winning Coach To Be Investigated