Randy Waldrum has resigned as coach of the Super Falcons due to personal reasons.
The American was appointed by the Nigerian Football Federation in 2020 after predecessor Thomas Dennerby was relieved of the role following a run of poor results.
Waldrum led the Super Falcons to a fourth place finish in the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations in Morocco which was the worst performance by the 11-time champions in the history of the competition.
His position was subsequently under intense scrutiny but the NFF kept faith in the American tactician who then took the Super Falcons to the round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
After the expiry of his first contract on the 31st of October 2023, Waldrum later signed a one-year contract extension which was to take him to the 2024 WAFCON and the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Games after initial disagreements between him and the NFF.
Following the Super Falcons’ group stage exit from the Olympic football tournament in Paris, speculation was once again rife about his future, with the American seemingly keen on continuing his stay as national team boss.
The 67 year-old later revealed the state of his wife’s health as the reason behind his decision to tender his resignation.
“It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics, with my wife’s health issues and the worries that obviously come with that. After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as head coach of the Super Falcons. This will allow the NFF ample time to find the next manager to take over this incredible squad,” Waldrum wrote in a letter.
“I always wanted to leave any project better off than when I took it over, and I believe we have done that with the Super Falcons. We have built a squad that can compete consistently with any top team in the world. The future is bright with the current team, as well as the up-and-coming U20 and U17 pool of players.”
Waldrum also revisited his recent games in charge of the team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Olympics, as part of his achievements with the team.
“That’s seven of the world’s top 10 teams in FIFA rankings, and we won 1, drew 3, lost 3! No other Super Falcons team has had that kind of success against the world’s best. This team has proven it can be one of the best in the world and play against any team without fear”, the coach added.
The NFF is now faced with the task of hiring a replacement who will lead the Super Falcons to the 2024 WAFCON that had to be postponed till July 2025 and many have suggested the calibre of coach that should be appointed.
A former forward believes it is time for faith to be put in Nigerian coaches to take charge of the team again.
“Our team has dominated the continent for many years, and we can still do that again. Our coaches can do the job as well, and they need to be patient with them. There is no point for any fire brigade approach here; allow our coaches to handle the team; let them build, and I believe there are better days ahead”, she said.
Sports administrator Ayodeji Adegbenro even put forward two names for consideration by the NFF.
“If I were the one making the decision, I’d hire Justin Madugu”, Adegbenro stated.
“He did well as interim coach and qualified the team for the Olympics. Wemimo Mathew is also a very good coach”, Adegbenro added.
Chris Okunnuwa, a UK-based Nigerian sports marketing consultant and former media officer of Sunshine Stars FC believes it is time for the NFF to put faith in their recent investment in women’s coaching education.
“The NFF has organised a CAF course for women coaches recently, and I believe they need to believe in their products as well as other Nigerian coaches who have worked with coach Waldrum during his time”, Okunnuwa said.
It is hoped Waldrum’s resignation will not leave the Super Falcons in uncertainty taking into consideration the need for preparation for the 2024 WAFCON tournament.
