The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is once again in search of a new coach, just weeks after the botched appointment of Bruno Labbadia as head coach of the Super Eagles. This time, the vacancy is for the Super Falcons, following the unexpected resignation of head coach Randy Waldrum.
Waldrum, who led the Super Falcons to the 2024 Olympics in France, cited his wife’s health as the reason for stepping down. The 67-year-old American tactician made his decision public in a letter on Friday, shocking many, including the NFF, which had recently extended his contract.
“It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics, with my wife’s health issues and the worries that come with that,” Waldrum stated. “After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as head coach of the Super Falcons.”
Waldrum expressed pride in his achievements with the Super Falcons, particularly in building a squad capable of competing with the world’s best teams. He recounted their performances at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they faced seven of the world’s top 10 teams, winning one, drawing three, and losing three.
While Waldrum’s tenure had mixed reviews, especially after Nigeria’s poor showing at the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco, his leadership during the 2023 Women’s World Cup revived hope for the team’s future. However, his resignation leaves the NFF with a pressing need to find a new coach ahead of the postponed 2024 WAFCON, now scheduled for July 2025.
Former Super Falcons players and football experts are already voicing their opinions on who should take the reins. Some are advocating for a Nigerian coach to lead the team. A former Falcons forward urged patience and faith in local coaches, while sports administrator Ayodeji Adegbenro suggested Justin Madugu or Wemimo Mathew as potential candidates.
Meanwhile, fans like Henry Oloye have expressed concerns over the potential fallout from Waldrum’s departure, fearing that the Super Falcons may face the same disarray as the Super Eagles in the search for a new coach.
The NFF will need to act swiftly to ensure that the Super Falcons remain competitive on the global stage as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.
