Super Falcons: NFF Sacks Randy Waldrum

Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) has decided to sack Randy Waldrum as the head coach of the Nigeria women’s national football team, after their round of 16 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The NFF made this decision during an executive meeting held at the Monty Hotel and Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on September 10, 2023.

Although Waldrum led the Super Falcons to the Round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup without losing a match in regular time, the NFF decided not to extend his contract. They commended the team’s performance but emphasized the need to maintain and improve the momentum in women’s football.

The NFF aims to swiftly select new coaching staff for various women’s national teams, including the Super Falcons, Falconets, and Flamingos, as important qualifying matches are approaching.

“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.

“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 communique read.

This decision follows a series of controversies, including allegations by Waldrum that the NFF interfered with team selection and misappropriated funds amounting to $960,000 provided by FIFA for the Women’s World Cup preparations. Waldrum also claimed he was owed seven months’ salary.

Waldrum’s comments and allegations led to his eventual departure. His contract was due to end in October, but he won’t be in charge for the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe.

During Waldrum’s tenure, the Super Falcons faced challenges, notably finishing fourth in the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations, a historic low. The team won six of ten competitive games and lost four, including three at the 2022 WAFCON and one against Ghana in a WAFCON Qualifiers return leg. In total, the Super Falcons won 11, drew four, and lost 13 out of 28 games under Waldrum’s leadership.