'She runs the show' - Nigeria boss set for Denise O'Sullivan reunion

Nigeria manager Randy Waldrum has spoken of his pride and admiration for Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan ahead of the countries' World Cup clash on Monday.

Waldrum brought O'Sullivan to the USA back in 2016, signing her from Glasgow City when he was Houston Dash boss.

It was an incredibly difficult period for the Cork woman. Her father passed away just days before she signed, and it took time for her to find her feet in a new league.

But Waldrum instantly recognised the talent she possessed, taking the opportunity in Sunday's pre-match press conference to pay tribute to O'Sullivan's career and achievements.

"She is so clean with the ball," he said. "And in the first season or two, there was obviously an adjustment period as there is in any league. But she just got better and better.

"I'm so proud of her now because I’ve watched her play with [North Carolina] Courage and she has done so extremely well.

"I do know she went through a difficult time and we all handle those things in our own way. My experience with her was only a couple of seasons and she was the ultimate pro. And very driven. She wasn’t going to come in and be a short-term project. She was determined to have longevity in her professional career.

"Just watching her now, she’s even better than when I had her, you know? She kind of runs the show in a lot of ways with her ball movement and soccer IQ. She understands the game so well.

"I hope I get a chance to talk to her after the game, I haven’t done that in a while."

"I don't know what’s going on in Ireland, I just look at the team, and the team is doing well."

Waldrum also has a good relationship with Vera Pauw, who succceeded him as manager of the Dash in 2018. Her time there has been shrouded in