Head coach of the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Randy Waldrum, has resigned from his position to focus on his wife, who is currently battling an undisclosed illness, Okay.ng reports.
Waldrum, who has led the Nigerian national women’s football team since 2020, announced his decision in a resignation letter dated September 12, 2024.
The American tactician cited his wife’s health issues as the reason for his departure, marking the end of a memorable tenure with the Super Falcons.
The coach, who led the Super Falcons to significant achievements, expressed the emotional difficulty of making the decision, stating, “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.”
Waldrum’s time with the Super Falcons was marked by several notable achievements. Under his leadership, the team reached the semi-finals of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco and made it to the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup without losing a single match in the group stage.
Remarkably, the Super Falcons conceded only two goals during the World Cup, setting a record for the lowest number of goals conceded in the team’s history at the tournament.
Additionally, Waldrum guided the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games—their first Olympic qualification in 16 years. However, despite high expectations, the team struggled at the Olympics, failing to advance beyond the group stage after losses to Japan, Spain, and Brazil.