Super Falcons training in Turkey
The Nigeria Football Federation NFF, has replied Super Falcons’ head coach, Randy Waldrum, following his outburst ahead of the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup.
Recall, npflupdates reported how Coach Randy, accused the NFF of lack of support to the team. According to Randy Waldrum, the Super Falcons are supposed to have a 10-day camping in Nigeria before travelling to Australia. But the NFF, cancelled the proposed Abuja camping, and only opined for the camping in Australia.
“I know we’re not prepared the way need to be… Been very frustrated with the Federation(NFF). And the lack of support,” Randy said.
“We were supposed to have a camp for 10-12 days in Nigeria, before going to Australia for another 10-15 days. But the Federation cancelled the camp in Nigeria.”
Read also: W’Cup: Be Ready For A Huge Disgrace – NFF Source
Also, the American highlighted on how the Super Falcons had to boycott training during the WAFCON in Morocco last year. And the reason was as a result of non-payment of bonuses.
“After the loss in Morocco(WAFCON), the players hadn’t been paid. So, they boycotted training before the match against Zambia,” he continued.
“My backup goalkeepr(Tochukwu Oluehi) spoke to the Federation about not getting paid. And they didn’t like how she spoke, so they dismissed her from the national team. They eventually let her back only if she wrote an apology letter.”
Meanwhile, the NFF through its Director of communications, Ademola Olajire, accused Randy Waldrum of wanting to waste resources.
NFF reply Randy Waldrum’s outburst ahead of 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup
“We have to first ask when the European season ended. The man wanted to a 2-week camping for only home-based professionals(whom he already gave very little consideration in his provisional list),” Ademola told the media.
“Like two weeks ago, he released his final list of 23, meaning there was absolutely no need for any camping for home-based again except to simply waste resources. And instead of admitting his glaring deficiencies, he’s there shooting his mouth off.”
Also the federation wondered why the exclusion of some top players like Ngozi Okobi and Regina Otu from the list.
“He knows he will not have Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde (two key players) for the opening match against Canada. Yet, he left out Ngozi Okobi and Regina Otu from the squad,” he continued.
“The NFF felt it would make more sense for the 23 to go straight to Australia and camp for 15/16 days to acclimatize go the weather and conditions.
Read also: NFF Moves To Recruit More Abroad-Born Nigerians
“The NFF wanted him to groom a home-based goal tender like Chiamaka Nnadozie was groomed. Instead, he kept bringing Yewande Balogun all the time. And without consideration for a home girl. The same last has only kept goal in one friendly match in over 2 years(and only because Chiamaka was injured).
“His outbursts are nothing but an afterthought. And he’s talking only 3 days to the team’s departure to the World Cup.”
