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Pitt’s Randy Waldrum, Nigeria Clinch Women’s World Cup berth

Photo courtesy Nigeria Women's Soccer

(Editor’s Note: This story has been updated since it’s original posting)

Pitt’s women’s soccer coach Randy Waldrum has led the Nigerian women’s soccer team to earn a berth in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

On Thursday, Nigeria defeated Cameroon, 1-0, to advance to the semifinal round in the African Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco, securing a berth in the big dance next year, the Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Australia/New Zealand.

Rasheedat Ajibade scored off a header in the 57th minute to propel he Super Falcons into a semifinal match with host Morocco and extend their WAFCON win streak against Cameroon. With the win Nigeria became the third African nation, joining Zambia and Morocco, to qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

When Niagara plays in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Waldrum, who has been at the helm of the Super Falcons since 2020, will join North Carolina’s Anson Dorrance as the only active Division I Women’s Soccer head coaches to lead a team into the World Cup.

Waldrum will pull double-duty this fall guiding the Panthers into his fifth season, while also leading the Nigerian National Team. On Wednesday, the U.S. women’s national team announced two friendlies, Sept. 3 and Sept. 6, against Nigeria. The Super Falcons will play USWNT at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan., on Sept. 3 and three days later at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

Ahead of the match with Cameroon, Waldrum said it won’t be an easy path to secure another World Cup berth for Nigeria against the Lionesses.

“We understand the history between Nigeria & Cameroon,” Waldrum said in his post match press conference after Nigeria defeated Burundi, 4-0, to advance to the quarterfinal round on Sunday.

“It will be a difficult game. Changing of venue won’t be any factor, the pitch will be fantastic and players are also looking forward to the game.”

Waldrum, who has been at the helm of the Super Falcons since 2020, has made it clear that his players must be at the top of their games for them to be able to beat Cameroon, another African nation which has made it into the past two Women’s World Cups played in 2015 and 2019.

Super Falcons are the holders of the African Women Cup of Nations.

Cameroon will go into the playoffs for the intercontinental qualification path.

In addition, Pitt’s Head Coach will be quite busy this Fall.

Whle Pitt will be gearing up for the start of training camp soon, and the Fall season fast approaching, he will also be busy with the Super Falcons. But won’t have to travel as far.

On Wednesday, the U.S. women’s national team announced two friendlies, on Sept. 3 and 6, both wll be against Nigeria.

Waldrum’s assistant is Lauren Gregg, who twice served as an interim USWNT coach.

The USWNT will play at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan., on Sept. 3 and three days later at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. It will be the USA’s first game at Audi Field following 10 appearances at RFK Stadium.

The U.S. women last played Nigeria in a friendly in June 2021 and came out 2-0 winners. At the 2015 World Cup, the US beat Nigeria 1-0 in its last group stage match.

The matches will be the USA’s first friendlies since it clinched a berth in the 2023 World Cup. There will be five additional windows before the Women’s World Cup, which will take place July 20-Aug. 20, 2023, in Australia and New Zealand.

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John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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