Super Falcons coach isolates his team from the media after stinging criticism in Nations Cup

SUPER Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has said that he has to shield his wards from the Nigerian media during the ongoing Africa Women’s Cup of Nations because the press is too negative and their harsh words affect the team.

Despite being defending champions, the Falcons got their campaign off to a terrible start in their opening match on Monday when they lost 1-2 to South Africa. Yesterday, however, the team redeemed itself a bit beating Botswana 2-0 in their second Group C match at the Moulay Hassan FUS stadium in Rabat.

Nigeria's Falcons were roundly criticised for their poor display in their opening game of the tournament taking in Morocco as the team was disjointed and lacked spirit. Too many passes went astray, the players all appeared to heave heavy touches and in a sure sign that the side is ageing, it was desperately lacking in pace at the back.

Against a weaker Botswana yesterday, these frailties were not exposed, however, and the team coasted to a two goal victory, finding the back of the net in each half. Ifeoma Onumonu put the Super Falcons ahead in the 21st minute when she raced past her markers, before placing the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper, Maitumelo Bosija.

At the start of the second half, substitute Christy Ucheibe doubled Nigeria's lead in the 48th minute, heading home from a corner. That goal put the game beyond Botswana as it demoralised them, turning the rest of the match into a one-sided affair.

Nigeria is by far Africa's most successful female football side, having won nine continental titles and the Falcons had been hoping to make it 10 in Morocco. Mr Waldrum said the team is now going to focus on its final game against Burundi on Sunday, turning a deaf ear to all the negative comments.

He added: “The media in Nigeria is very negative and we don’t want distraction in our team. We are trying to qualify for the World Cup and the team must be isolated.”