National Teams
Paris 2024: Randy Waldrum laments limited Nigeria resources ahead of Brazil clash
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Randy Waldrum has highlighted some basic manpower and technological challenges facing the team ahead of the clash with Brazil in Bordeaux, France, as the Olympic Games kickoff on Thursday.
Waldrum, who also served as the coach of Pitt’s women’s team since 2018, expressed that the team lacks resources compared to the United States (U.S.) team.
He mentioned a lack of technology like the commonly used GPS monitoring system for tracking athletes’ workload.
He analogized their situation to old-fashioned journalists using pencils and papers, while others utilize iPads.
“We don’t have the technology (including the widely used GPS monitoring system that tracks an athlete’s workload),” Waldrum told TribLive from Bordeaux.
“We’re kind of like old-time journalists with pencil and paper, where everybody else is using iPads.”
However, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s qualification for the Olympics after 16 years.
“I’m really proud of this accomplishment, whatever happens with the games.”
However, Waldrum mentioned his pride in the team’s achievements and highlighted the remarkable response of the Nigerian players.
“I know what the U.S. has. I know the staffing they have is unbelievable in numbers, and there are three of us. But to see how well these players have responded is a big credit to them.”
The Super Falcons were Placed in Group C alongside Spain, Japan, and Brazil.
They will start their campaign against Copa America Femenina winners, Brazil on Thursday, their second meeting with the South America side at the Olympics.
The first encounter at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing ended 3-1 in favour of Brazil.
