- Randy Waldrum resigns as Super Falcons coach due to his wife’s health concerns
- Waldrum led Nigeria to a round-of-16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
- The former Falcons coach expressed confidence in the Super Falcons' future, emphasising their ability to compete with top teams
Randy Waldrum, head coach of the Super Falcons, has reportedly tendered his resignation to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Having guided the Nigerian women’s national football team since 2020, Waldrum’s exit comes just after leading the team to a round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a recent appearance at the 2024 Olympic Games.
His decision, according to popular Twitter sport personality, MikeThePundit on Friday, September 13, however, stems from personal matters, with reports revealing that the coach’s wife has been facing serious health challenges.
Waldrum first took charge of Nigeria’s Super Falcons in 2020, stepping into a difficult role after Thomas Dennerby’s departure following a string of disappointing results.
His initial run saw the team finish in fourth place at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a performance that sparked doubt about his future with the squad. Nonetheless, the NFF chose to maintain its confidence in the American tactician, and he eventually turned things around by guiding Nigeria to an admirable round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite that resurgence, Waldrum’s tenure concluded with a disappointing exit in the group stage of the 2024 Olympic Games. Soon after, he informed the NFF of his decision to step down, citing personal reasons, particularly his wife’s health issues.
According to Soccernet.ng, Waldrum submitted his resignation to focus on his family.
“It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics, with my wife’s health issues and the worries that obviously come with that. After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as head coach of the Super Falcons. This will allow the NFF ample time to find the next manager to take over this incredible squad, I always wanted to leave any project better off than when I took it over, and I believe we have done that with the Super Falcons. We have built a squad that can compete consistently with any top team in the world. The future is bright with the current team, as well as the up-and-coming U20 and U17 pool of players.” Waldrum expressed in his resignation letter,” Waldrum reportedly said.
Waldrum also stated some of the key matches during his time as coach, particularly his team’s impressive performances against the world’s top-ranked sides at the 2023 World Cup.
He noted, “That’s seven of the world’s top 10 teams in FIFA rankings, and we won 1, drew 3, lost 3! No other Super Falcons team has had that kind of success against the world’s best. This team has proven it can be one of the best in the world and play against any team without fear.”
As of this report, the NFF has not officially confirmed the coach’s departure, though a statement is expected to be released soon. Waldrum, 67, concluded that he leaves the Super Falcons in a stronger place than when he first arrived.
Paris Olympic 2024: Super Falcons defender Ebi discusses being left out of squad
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s Olympic journey, though filled with many ups and downs and a rollercoaster of emotions for athletes and fans, didn’t fail to thrill netizens.
One of the most talked-about stories involves Super Falcons defender Onome Ebi, who recently took to social media to address her exclusion from Nigeria’s Paris 2024 Olympic squad. Despite her disappointment, she emphasised her respect for the coaching staff and team management.
