Former Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for what he described as years of inadequate support, financial mismanagement, and failure to invest in long-term football development.
In a candid interview with Eagles Tracker on Friday, the 68-year-old American coach, who led Nigeria’s women’s national team to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, expressed his frustration over how his four-year tenure was handled by the country’s football authorities.
Waldrum disclosed that he went unpaid for 14 months during his time in charge, calling it a reflection of the NFF’s poor financial practices.
If I wasn’t working at Pittsburgh, I would’ve lost my home,” he said, describing the financial strain he endured while still committed to coaching the team.
He further warned that Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football, particularly in Africa, may soon crumble if the systemic issues are not urgently addressed.
Nigeria almost feels like it’s a birthright to win the WAFCON,” he said. “But that won’t continue if proper support isn’t given. A day will come when they won’t even qualify for the World Cup if things don’t change.”
Waldrum revealed he had drawn up a 10-year development blueprint aimed at transforming Nigeria’s youth football and elevating both the men’s and women’s teams to global success.
I hoped to bring ideas from the U.S., especially in terms of structure and planning. With the talent in Nigeria, the goal was to win the World Cup within a decade,” he said. “That’s why I took the job.”
Despite the challenges, Waldrum reflected positively on his time with the Super Falcons, saying, “I had some difficult moments, but also great success. I loved my time there.”
His revelations have reignited debates about the NFF’s handling of coaches and lack of strategic investment in football development, particularly for the women’s game, which has seen Nigeria remain a continental powerhouse despite recurring administrative setbacks.
