8th June, 2015
Coach of the Sweden women’s team, Pia Sundhage, has declared that their Group D opener against Nigeria at the World Cup in Canada will be a “fight”.
Nigeria and Sweden square up inside the Winnipeg Stadium in the group opener by 9p.m Nigerian time today with Sundhage admitting that it has been very difficult getting information about the African champions.
“It has not been easy to find images of Nigeria games but we have a great scouting team,” she said.
Sundhage, 55, added that she does not think Super Falcons would be a threat to her team as they are prepared for the team’s physicality.
“And I think as a coach of this Swedish team, we are well prepared. And as regards to our opponents it would be a fight and we are prepared for the fight on the pitch.”
Nigeria and Sweden last met in 2007 with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. Midfielder Lotta Schelin, who was part of that squad for Sweden in China, said she believes they are a better side now. “They are physical and we have seen a lot of games with them and we know that they are physical and they are really good individually,” she remarked.
“I remember that it was tough but at the same time we know what to do and how we are going to do it. It’s been eight years now so we are prepared at this moment now.”
Captain Caroline Seger admitted it will not be easy against Nigeria.
“It’s always easier when you have a lot of information about your opponent. It’s easier to watch or to know what to do,” she said. “But I think the job the coaches have been doing, putting down in terms of videos showing us how Nigeria play, I think we are well prepared and we know what type of game it’s going to be.”