The Nigeria Super Falcons have found themselves in a usual situation once again after a period of stability.
It was confirmed on Monday that Randy Waldrum's tenure as the team's head coach has come to an end and the technical committee has been tasked with finding a credible replacement ahead of the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers.
Since time immemorial, there have always been issues as regards the head coach position and there have been signs as regards the future of Randy Waldrum before the World Cup some months back.
Waldrum's reign as the head coach of the Super Falcons was filled with ups and downs. At the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, the Super Falcons finished fourth in the third-place match after losing 1-0 to Zambia.
Fast forward to 2023 when the Super Falcons were preparing for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Waldrum lambasted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for failing to pay his salaries and prepare the team adequately for the tournament.
Randy Waldrum leaves as the coach of the Super Falcons after an impressive World Cup after NFF declared his post vacant.
No renewal for Waldrum after the expiration of his contract.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) September 11, 2023
It was a war of words in the media between the football house and the American coach. So it was a matter of if not when the working relationship would be cut off.
However, despite diverse calls from the fans, the NFF and Waldrum worked on the relationship to ensure the Super Falcons had a fruitful outing at the World Cup.
The Super Falcons went ahead to have a memorable outing at the World Cup before losing to England on penalties in the round of 16.
Now that the NFF has decided to let go of Waldrum – much to the displeasure of the fans – they will now focus on finding a new head coach to lead the most successful National team on the continent.
As the search begins, we take a look at the list of possible candidates who could replace the 66-year-old American.
Who could be next Super Falcons coach?
Now that the NFF have made the post of the Super Falcons vacant, a number of names will continue to pop up, but the financial capacity of the NFF could play a major role in deciding who becomes Randy Waldrum's replacement.
So it is more likely that a Nigerian will be named as the next head of the Super Falcons. Going by that, we have come up with a list of candidates who could get a look in.
Mercy Akide
The Legendary Super Falcons striker Mercy Akide is one of few ex-internationals who have gone into management.
She has always talked about her desire to coach the Super Falcons since she began her coaching career and this could be an opportunity for her.
Although she currently resides in the United States of America, that shouldn't limit her chances of being appointed since she has delivered the goods for the Super Falcons during her playing career.
Christopher Danjuma
He is one of the few coaches who have managed in the Women's League as well as the National Teams. Danjuma has an outside chance of taking over. He was recently the coach of the U20 Female side – the Falconets.
Florence Omagbemi
The legendary Super Falcons midfielder has worked with the Super Falcons previously.
She became the first woman to win the WAFCON as a player and coach in 2016. If she decides to make a return, her title, which many rates dearly, could be the deciding factor.
Edwin Okon
The long-serving head coach of Rivers Angels recently left his position. He has been with the Super Falcons before and won the WAFCON with the side in 2014.
Before then he also took the team to U20 side to the World Cup in 2012 where they finished fourth. On the home front, he has numerous league and cup titles to his name.
Aside from these names, the NFF could look outside the box like when Thomas Dennerby and even Randy Waldrum were appointed to lead the Super Eagles.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
