Super Falcons coach Waldrum reveals how he will neutralise Morocco's home fans in WAFCON semifinal

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has revealed his plans for handling the expected majority host fans at the semi-final of the ongoing 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nigeria qualified for the last four of the ongoing WAFCON 2022 on Thursday night after Rasheedat Ajibade's 56th-minute header gave the Super Falcons a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons will now go on to face hosts Morocco in the second semifinal of WAFCON 2021 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat for a place in the tournament's showpiece match.

Ahead of Monday's semifinal, Waldrum stated his respect for the Moroccan national women's team, highlighting that the hosts are one of few African sides that have 'a science' for how they play football.

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The 65-year-old tactician stressed that despite Morocco having only qualified for their first-ever WAFCON semifinal, he expects a high-level match from his opponents whom he described as 'very dangerous.'

Waldrum told Africatopsports after the quarterfinal victory: "We focused on Cameroon, this stage has passed. Tonight the staff will focus on Morocco, and the development will begin tomorrow. I have great respect for Morocco, one of the best teams who have a science for football, the way they play.

"We know they are very dangerous and what they are capable of. It will be two high-level teams for beautiful football. It will be a very interesting match, because one of the objectives of this tournament is to produce a high level match. But we are ready to face them."

When asked how his team would handle the expected majority home support that Morocco would enjoy in the semi-final, the Super Falcons coach stated that his players are professionals who play in major championships so they will be familiar with playing under such conditions.

The Super Falcons coach also pointed out that the Nigerian contingent to Morocco is significant as other teams apart from the host country have enjoyed considerable support during their matches.

"First of all, it must be said that here in Morocco there is a considerable outflow of fans to support their teams. So we hope the stadium will be full for the match (against Morocco in the semi-final)," Waldrum said.

"But I do not think that this massive presence of fans will disturb us and this is the place to specify it here in this press conference. You know, not all my players play in Nigeria. Most play in major championships, so that will not disturb us."

Waldrum stated that whilst it is unrealistic to have the host fans on the side of the Super Falcons for the semifinals, he believes his charges will react positively to the challenge.

"Obviously we want the fans on our side and we know that's not necessarily going to happen. But we think the players will react quickly and positively in this game. And it will be a great game, I can assure you," the Super Falcons coach concluded. 

Nigeria and Morocco will slug it out in the second WAFCON 2022 semifinal on Monday, July 18 at 9:00 pm Nigerian time. 

The Super Falcons are aiming for a record-extending 10th African title while the Moroccans have never progressed out of the group stages of the WAFCON till this year's edition.