NFF part ways with Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has parted ways with Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum.
Waldrum, 66, was in charge of the Nigerian female national team for almost three years. The highlight of his time was leading the Super Falcons to the knockout round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
But in a statement released on Monday, the NFF confirmed that the body would not renew the American’s contract, which expires at the end of September.
“The Board resolved to be thorough and ensure meritocracy in the composition of new coaching crews for the various Women National Teams (Super Falcons, Falconets, and Flamingos) within the shortest possible time, as the Super Falcons and Falconets have crucial qualifying fixtures for major championships in a matter of weeks,” the statement said.
“While commending the Super Falcons for an impressive outing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, in which the team reached the Round of 16 and exited the tournament without losing a match in regulation period, the Board reiterated that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the momentum is maintained and even improved with adequate support and encouragement of women’s football in all ramifications.”
Waldrum led the nine-time African champions to one of their best FIFA Women’s World Cup outings ever as they reached the round of 16 in Australia without losing a single match in open play, despite coming up against Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and England, the European champions and eventual runners-up.
However, Waldrum’s relationship with NFF is fractured due to owed entitlements and he has been eased out despite the impressive performance in Australia in August.
Waldrum, who previously coached the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team, was appointed as Super Falcons head coach in October 2020 and has overseen two tournaments with contrasting fortunes.
He led the team to their worst Women’s Africa Cup of Nations outing in history in 2022 when they finished fourth after losing three matches but turned it around with the brilliant performances at the Women’s World Cup one year after.
