Waldrum optimistic as embattled Falcons battle Zambia for bronze

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, is optimistic the players will give their all despite a rash of injuries and suspensions in the camp of the nine-time champions. Nigeria will battle Zambia for the bronze medal of the 12th AWCON tonight at the Complexe Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco. “We have two players suspended as a […]

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, is optimistic the players will give their all despite a rash of injuries and suspensions in the camp of the nine-time champions.

Nigeria will battle Zambia for the bronze medal of the 12th AWCON tonight at the Complexe Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco.

“We have two players suspended as a result of red cards in the last game, and we also have some players down with injury. So, there will be changes but we will go for the best legs that would give us victory on Friday.”

Captain Onome Ebi has been knocked out by a hamstring injury (biceps femoris muscle tear – Grade 2) and could require between six weeks to two months to recover.

She suffered the injury in the gruelling semi-final battle against Morocco on Monday that the Falcons lost on penalty shoot-out in Rabat.

With Ebi out, Waldrum could start with the US –based Payne sisters (Toni and Nicole) on either side of the rear wings, with Osinachi Ohale and Plumptre at centre back.

Peace Efih, who scored one of the goals in the 4-0 defeat of Burundi in the group stage, could start in the absence of Ayinde, with the effervescent Gift Monday a probable to start in place of the suspended Ajibade at the fore.