Randy Waldrum: Nigeria coach signs contract extension at Pitt through to 2027

By Samuel Ahmadu

Nigeria women’s national team head coach Randy Waldrum has signed a contract extension at University of Pittsburgh coach which will see him remain at the women’s soccer team until 2027.

The development means Waldrum will remain in charge of the Panthers, while he doubles as the Super Falcons coach until October 2023 when his current two-year contract is likely to expire with the Nigeria Football Federation.

The American gaffer had joined the Panthers before the 2018 season and has played a crucial role in the rise of the women’s soccer side in the past five years, including promotion to NCAA Division I women’s soccer tournament.

We're thrilled to announce that we've signed @CoachWaldrum to a new contract through the 2027 season!

? https://t.co/fDCESBelo6#H2P pic.twitter.com/jADYTdIohm

— Pitt Women's Soccer (@Pitt_WSOC) January 12, 2023

Before joining the team, Pitt only won 25 games in the five seasons, while five seasons under Waldrum as head coach, he led the Panthers to 45 wins, with 36 of those wins coming in the past there seasons.

In 2022, they competed in the ACC and the NCAA tournaments for the first time in program history, despite losing to Notre Dame in penalty kicks in the ACC tourney, but shone in the NCAA Tournament, finishing fourth seed.

Waldrum wrote on social media after the announcement was made: “Excited to continue the journey! We aren’t finished yet! Congratulations to Ben Waldrum and Dustin Stein in their new contracts as well! Great staff and a fantastic team of women that we coach!.”

Thanks to Pitt and our administration..More work to be done, but on the right path! Get to continue with a great staff @benwald21 @steind13 & @jesse_goleman! https://t.co/0Lh9sCdO5i

— Randy Waldrum (@CoachWaldrum) January 12, 2023

Following his contract extension, Waldrum and Pitt will look to improve going forward in 2023, as they bring back star forward Amanda West, defender Katie Zailski, midfielder Landy Mertz, who shone in 2022 great season.

While at Pitt, the 66-year-old manager will lead the nine-time African champions to its 10th Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where he will aim to guide the West Africans past their 1999 quarterfinal berth.