Waldrum resigns as Super Falcons coach

Super Falcons Manager, Randy Waldrum, has resigned from the job citing need to take care of his ailing his wife.

In an emotion-laden letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) made available to The Guardian, the American, who led the Super Falcons to an impressive outing at the Australia/New Zealand FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, said he was compelled to leave the job by his wife’s deteriorating condition despite the good times he has had with the team.

“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.”

Qualifying his stay with the Super Falcons as a success, Waldrum said: “We had not qualified for an Olympics in 16 years, so qualifying was a huge accomplishment for the programme. In addition, we beat two of the best teams in Africa in Cameroon and South Africa along the way.  We played three of the top ten teams in the world, including the defending World Cup Champions, and played very well against both Spain and Brazil during the Olympics.

Conversely, if you look back at the matches from the 2023 World Cup until the Olympics we had the following results: Canada (Olympic Champions) – Result – 0-0 (draw), Australia (#10 World Ranking) – Result – 3-1 (win), Ireland (#21 World Ranking) – Result – 0-0 (draw), England (#3 & European Champions) Result – 0-0 (draw) lost in penalties, Brazil (#9 World Ranking) – 1-0 (loss), Spain (#1 World Cup Champions) – 1-0 (loss), Japan (#7 World Ranking) – Result – 3-1 (loss)

“That is seven of the World’s Top Ten teams in FIFA rankings and we won one, drew three, lost three!  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.”

He thanked former NFF President, Amaji Pinnick, for giving him opportunity to serve the country and incumbent president of the federation, Ibrahim Gusau, “for the time you have given me and the opportunity to discuss with you the things that were and are needed moving forward.  Your leadership will be very important for the progress of the Super Falcons.”
Waldrum also thanked NFF board member, Aisha Falode, his staff and others associated with the Super Falcons while he served Nigeria, expressing his gratitude to them for working tirelessly behind the scene.

To Super Falcons players, he said: “We have built a side that can compete with anyone in the world.  You all have been so supportive, so diligent about your work in difficult situations, and so professional in your approach to the national team. Your country is proud and should be very proud of all you have accomplished.

“My hope for all of you is that the NFF realises where we are in the world now and capitalises in giving more resources to ensure that you continue to climb as a world power. I thank you all for your hard work, your attention to detail, your willingness to try new things, and your overall coachability.  The sky is the limit as to what you can achieve.  I also appreciate your thoughts and prayers for my wife in a very difficult time, and you are all not only great players, but more importantly amazing young women who represent Nigeria in a first-class way.

I wish you all nothing but the best, and I now feel as though I have added so many to my extended family.  I’ll be here for each of you in any way you need moving forward.  I love you all and appreciate so much what we all accomplished together.  You gave me memories for a lifetime.”