Randy Waldrum is still officially coach of the Nigerian women's soccer team. Although his contract expires at the end of 2023, it seems he has no intention of staying on.
Being coach of a Nigerian soccer team is no guarantee of tranquillity. After José Peseiro's uncertainty with the men's team, Randy Waldrum, coach of the women's team, is not sure of keeping his job either. His contract expires at the end of 2023. Waldrum led the Super Falcons to the last 16 of the Women's World Cup in August 2023. Since then, however, he has been absent from the bench. A situation which suggests that the 67-year-old American is ready to jump ship.
Meanwhile, Randy Waldrum is also in charge of the women's team at the University of Pittsburgh. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is beginning to raise its voice. Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, an NFF official railed against Waldrum's decision to hold down two jobs at the same time. "The coach seemed to give priority to his other commitments in the USA," says the anonymous source. Managing a country like Nigeria should not be a part-time job."
An interim already on the benchWhat's more, Randy Waldrum deserted his bench in October for the Olympic Games qualifiers against Ethiopia. His deputy, Madugu, led the team, as well as during this AFCON 2024 play-off window. "There could be (changes) because of the federation's financial situation. The board has not discussed the possibility of extending Waldrum's mandate. Nothing has yet been decided with certainty."
In addition, Randy Waldrum had attacked NFF officials over the distribution of funds. This drew sympathy from players like Deborah Abiodun."He's not just a coach. He's a father, he's an advisor, he's a mentor, he's just a man with courage and a lot of good qualities."No doubt the coach's situation will become clearer by January, when his contract expires. In the meantime, uncertainty reigns.
