The NFF have reportedly relived Randy Waldrum of his role as Super Falcons' boss, leaving the women's team without a head coach as at the time of writing.
Prior to the start of the Women's World Cup in July, the 66-year-old saw his role with the Super Falcons come under major threat, having endured a back and forth public situation with the NFF over unpaid funds.
All of that was put to bed and Randy Waldrum led the Super Falcons to the World Cup, where Nigeria impressed and got to the knockout stages but were eventually knocked out of the competition by England via penalties.
As per the latest reports now making rounds, the American has been officially relieved of his duties with Nigeria women's senior team.
NFF cut ties with Randy Waldrum
This decision to axe the 66-year-old was reportedly made during an executive meeting held by the Ibrahim Gusau-led board at the Monty Hotel and Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on September 10, 2023.
Ahead of the Super Eagles tie against Sao Tome and Principe, which ended in a resounding 6-0 victory for the men's team, the NFF board took time to discuss about the women's team and also came to a conclusion regarding Waldrum's contract.
OFFICIAL:
The NFF have confirmed the Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum's contract expiration and declared the position vacant.
Statement; “The NFF Board resolved to be thorough and ensure meritocracy in the composition of new coaching crews for the various Women National Teams… pic.twitter.com/pp0EFtJda2
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) September 11, 2023
A statement on the matter read: “While commending the Super Falcons for an impressive outing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, in which the team reached the Round of 16 and exited the tournament without losing a match in regulation period, the Board reiterated that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the momentum is maintained and even improved with adequate support and encouragement of women’s football in all ramifications,” the communique read.
“The Board resolved to be thorough and ensure meritocracy in the composition of new coaching crews for the various Women National Teams (Super Falcons, Falconets and Flamingos) within the shortest possible time, as the Super Falcons and Falconets have crucial qualifying fixtures for major championships in a matter of weeks.”
Controversy surrounds decision on Waldrum's contract
More information will come to light over the coming hours but early indications point at a tussle that could yet drag out between Waldrum and the NFF.
It appears that the 66-year-old has not taken the reports making the rounds positively at all.
As per The Punch, he was quoted to have said: “I’m seeing reports that I’ve been sacked but my contract doesn’t end until October 31.”
Randy Waldrum;
"I’m seeing reports that I’ve been sacked but my contract doesn’t end until October 31."
Credit: The Punch. https://t.co/Y377oyCu3f
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) September 11, 2023
On several occasions, Waldrum has faced criticism from his Nigerian employers and has even been involved in a battle of words with the NFF.
During this time, he had also voiced out about the board's over-interference with his team selection, highlighted by the demand that he must select a home-based goalkeeper in his squad.
Under the watch of Randy Waldrum, Nigeria suffered their worst performance at the Women's African Cup of Nations, ending in fourth place and suffering three defeats from six games at the tournament in 2022.
Taking all games into account, including friendly matches, the Super Falcons won 11 games, lost 13 and played out to a draw on four occasions out of 28 games under the guidance of Randy Waldrum.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 weeks ago
