Former Super Falcons Coach Waldrum Questions NFF Over World Cup Funds
Former Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has raised new questions about how the Nigeria Football Federation handled funds said to have been released by FIFA for the team’s preparation ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
In a video now trending online, Waldrum claimed that FIFA released $960,000 for the team’s build-up to the tournament in October 2022. He questioned what happened to the funds and suggested the team did not receive proper support during preparations.
Nigeria reached the Round of 16 at the World Cup before losing on penalties to England, but Waldrum insisted the journey to the tournament was filled with challenges. He said poor organisation affected the team and expressed disappointment that training camps were not arranged in good time.
He recalled that the Super Falcons travelled to Japan for a friendly under difficult conditions, with some key players arriving only a few hours before the match after long flights. Waldrum described this as a missed opportunity to prepare, as the team returned home immediately without using the window for training.
The former coach also said FIFA usually provides financial support for countries that cannot afford business-class travel for players and staff, with the cost later deducted from World Cup earnings. He argued that this option should have removed any excuse regarding travel arrangements.
Waldrum further expressed concern over the number of technical staff taken to the World Cup. He claimed FIFA allows up to 22 technical staff members, but Nigeria travelled with around eleven. According to him, the team lacked analysts and scouts, forcing him to rely on video footage and limited information when preparing for opponents.
He suggested that such issues should be openly questioned, as they affect the performance and development of women’s football in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the NFF is working to arrange an international friendly for the Super Falcons ahead of the next FIFA window as the team begins preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which will also determine qualification for the next World Cup.
