Made in America conflict: Is Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum not happy with Asisat Oshoala
Following Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Brazil, there is a brewing ‘Made in America’ conflict in the Super Falcons team involving US-based duo Randy Waldrum (Coach) and Asisat Oshoala (Player).
Nigeria’s Super Falcons faced defeat in their opening match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, falling 1-0 to Brazil. The result was disappointing, but the controversy surrounding Asisat Oshoala’s absence from the pitch has sparked significant debate and concern and is subject of this article.
Oshoala, Nigeria’s star striker and a six-time African Footballer of the Year, was notably left on the bench for the entire match.
Despite the Super Falcons’ desperate need for a goal to level the score after Brazil’s Gabi Nunes scored in the first half, head coach Randy Waldrum did not turn to Oshoala. The decision was puzzling for many, given Oshoala’s proven track record and the team’s critical situation.
The absence of Oshoala from the field has not gone unnoticed. After the match, the striker who is known to be very vocal shared a cryptic message on her Instagram story, resharing a post that read, “I won’t be remembered as the woman who kept her mouth shut,” accompanied by four hysterical laughing emojis. This post, though not explicitly directed at Waldrum, seemed to reflect her frustration and disappointment with the situation.
The decision to bench Oshoala was not unprecedented. Waldrum had previously left her out of the starting lineup in a World Cup qualifier against Cameroon.
In the post-match analysis, Waldrum suggested that the benching was not due to tactical reasons, hinting at possible underlying issues between him and Oshoala. This revelation has fueled speculation about a rift that might be affecting team dynamics.
The controversy surrounding Oshoala’s exclusion has led to a strong reaction from Nigerian fans and commentators.
Many have criticized Waldrum for his decision, questioning why the team’s most prolific forward was kept out of the game during a crucial moment.
The sentiment among the fans was captured by SportsRation correspondent Uduak Oscar, who commented, “Such conflicts within the team will not only affect team spirit but could spell doom for the Nigeria women’s national team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”
The ‘Made in America’ conflict is according to reliable sources caused by the players vocal comments against some decisions made by the coach. Uduak adds ” At the last FIFA World Cup, Oshoala had reasons alongside some other senior players to ask questions of Randy Waldrum. That situation has grown further and is responsible for the American gaffers decision to reduce her influence within the team.”
” Also, the decision to name Oshoala on the bench also did not sit well with the Bay FC star. Whatever it is, Nigerians will want a united Super Falcons against Spain. That is perhaps the teams biggest strength.”
Nigeria’s path forward is fraught with challenges. The Super Falcons face reigning world champions Spain in their next Group C match, following Spain’s victory over Japan. With the stakes so high, the team’s ability to bounce back from their opening defeat will be critical. A win is essential to keep their Olympic hopes alive, while a draw might still offer a chance to progress, but a loss could see them out of the tournament.
As Nigeria prepares for their must-win encounter, the question remains: Can the Super Falcons overcome internal strife and rally to achieve their Olympic dreams? The upcoming match against Spain will provide a clear indication of the team’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
