Sounding Off on Soccer: Ahead of Women’s World Cup trek, Randy Waldrum sounds off concerns with Nigerian Football Federation

Photo Courtesy @NGSuperFalcons (Nigeria Women's Soccer official Twitter account)

University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer Head coach Randy Waldrum is gearing up for a trip down under, to Australia, as he will lead the Nigerian women’s soccer team into the 2023 FIFA’s Women’s World Cup, which will kickoff next month.

Prior to departure, Waldrum met with PSN’s John Krysinsky to discuss what will be the culmination of his two-plus year journey coaching the Super Falcons’ squad on the heels of their participation in a tournament that will be watched and viewed on a global scale, as he, along with the Nigerian players, have been presented with their share of challenges leading up to the World Cup.

Waldrum cited that he has mixed emotions heading into this experience.  While he’s excited about the opportunity, on the flip side, he cites that he’s concerned that his squad is not prepared the way they need to be, pointing out the lack of support he and the players have experienced in working with the Nigerian National Football Federation (NFF).

In this interview, Waldrum does not hold back his concerns and criticism of the NFF, which has limited opportunities for the veteran coach to offer training and preparation for the players ahead of the tournament, while also fueling added controversy by interfering with the final selection of the 23-player squad.

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The Super Falcons face a formidable task in a challenging group that includes tournament hosts Australia and reigning Olympic Games champions Canada.

Waldrum and the team will have a 15-day training camp in Australia to prepare for the tournament, which begins July 20.  The Super Falcons will kickoff play against against Canada at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on July 21.

Among the players selected by Waldrum to represent Nigeria, is Pitt’s incoming freshman midfielder Deborah Abiodun and one of the best goal scorers in the World, in Asisat Oshoala, who features with Barcelona Femenine, both who Waldrum talks about in this interview.

AUNZ Bound 🔥 #soarsuperfalcons pic.twitter.com/CgYLuF3kC5

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) June 16, 2023

Nigerian Women’s Team World Cup Schedule 

Dates/Times – Eastern (US) Standard Time

July 20 – 10:30 p.m. — vs Canada (Group Stage Match 1)

July 27 – 6 a.m. — vs Australia (Group Stage Match 2)

July 31 – 6 a.m. — vs Republic of Ireland (Group Stage Match 3)