Randy Waldrum must avoid politics in Nigeria squad’s selection – Godwin Izilien

By Saheed Afolabi

Former Nigeria women’s coach, Godwin Izilien has urged current manager Randy Waldrum to eschew playing politics in selection of players for the team to improve the fortune of the country at the Women’s World Cup.

“For the Super Falcons to excel at the 2023 Women World Cup, I believe the old players in the squad should be sidelined to pave way for the younger ones,” Izilien told Guardian newspaper.

“Playing politics in team’s selection will not augur well for the Super Falcons at the world stage. Other teams in the world are building their teams around young players, because they understand that the lifespan of a female footballer is short.

“This year’s World Cup will be tough as 32 teams will be competing and the coach should brace up for the task ahead by picking the best players for the tournament.”

“The NFF, at this point, should have started setting out guidelines and programmes to get the girls ready for the World Cup. Quality friendlies and good training programmes should be put in place for them. “

“I do not understand why the coach is not going round the country to look for more talents who will put the regular players on their toes for a place in the team. The World Cup is just about six months away and I hope he doesn’t show the same attitude we saw at the AWCON in Morocco?

“If that is what he wants to do again, then the Super Falcons may be shown the exit door very early at the competition. The coach should know that women football has advanced in other climes and all hands must be on deck to ensure that the Falcons made the country proud come July.”

Izilien won the Africa Women Championship with the Super Falcons at Johannesburg, South Africa in 2004.