Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has expressed his admiration of his players’ commitment and performance after Nigeria secured a spot in the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Despite being held to a goalless draw by the Republic of Ireland in their final Group B game at the Brisbane Stadium on Monday afternoon, the Super Falcons finished second in the group with five points from three games.

Co-hosts Australia, who defeated Canada 4-0, finished as group winners with six points.

Waldrum praised his team for defying expectations and advancing to the knockout stage without losing a match.

“So many people did not give the Super Falcons a chance of going through from the group without losing a match, I’m so proud of them,” The 66 year-old said after the game.

He also reflected on the game against the Irish, acknowledging the team’s efforts and determination in a hard-fought encounter that secured their place in the next stage of the competition.

” I was disappointed because I thought we could win the match but the fact that we got the objective of qualifying for the knockout stage is enough,” he remarked.

Looking ahead to the Round of 16, Waldrum expressed readiness to face any opponent.

The Super Falcons will now face either European champions England or Denmark in their next match as they progress to the knockout stage.