Nigeria women’s national team coach Randy Waldrum stated he is confident in the Super Falcons to defend their Africa Women Cup of Nations title this summer in comments to BBC Sport Africa. The American coach is tasked with leading the dominant force in African women’s football to another title with Nigeria having won eleven of the thirteen AWCON’s that have taken place since the inaugural edition in 1991. “You know, I’ve had a year now to look at probably 40 or 50 different players. And I think now we’ve narrowed that group down and I feel very strong and comfortable about this group, I believe in them” said Waldrum.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco will be competing in their first AWCON since 2000 (then known as the African Women’s Championship) and only their second with failure to progress beyond the group stage both in 2000 and 1998. However, there is a different mentality this time around and coach Reynald Petros is eager for the Atlas Lionesses to make history and set the semifinal stage as their goal. A semifinal spot would clinch Morocco’s first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup berth.
BBC Sport Africa has more from the coaches of Nigeria and Morocco in the link below.