Confusion greets Randy Waldrum’s future as Super Falcons head coach

By Saheed Afolabi

Contrary to the reports making the rounds in local media that the Nigeria Football Federation have parted ways with Randy Waldrum, a powerful source informed NigeriaFootball that the claims making the round are untrue.

In resolutions passed by the Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation met on Sunday, 10th September 2023 at the Monty Hotel & Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the communique had hinted at decision to constitute a new team for the Super Falcons, thereby insinuating Waldrum’s exit.

“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,” it read.

“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.”

However, when NigeriaFootball made further investigations, a top NFF official insist that the technical committee were instructed to meet up with the American and reach a favourable terms on his contract extension.

“The news is fake. The NFF board never made such resolution to constitute a new coaching crew for the Super Falcons,” says the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

“The board only directed the technical committee on constituting new coaching crews for the Falconets and Flamingoes, while they were asked to engage Randy (Waldrum) for contract extension negotiations.”

Following the exit of Thomas Dennerby, Waldrum was appointed by the NFF in 2020 and led the Super Falcons to the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco as well as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

A week ago, Waldrum had discredited stories making the rounds in the media that he had been sacked by the Nigeria Football Federation, noting that his contract with the country is yet to run out.

“I’m seeing reports that I’ve been sacked but my contract doesn’t end until October 31,” Waldrum told PUNCH Sports Extra.

With the confusion getting the NFF decision on his extension, it remains to be seen who will be in the dugout when the Super Falcons face Sao Tome and Principe in a Morocco 2024 Women’s Afcon qualifiers between September 22-26.