Ayomide Olaniyan
Ex-Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has demanded transparency from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding $960,000 in FIFA funds allocated for the 2023 Women’s World Cup preparations. In a widely circulated video, Waldrum claimed the federation mismanaged the grant, failing to organize adequate training camps.
“A trusted FIFA insider confirmed every participating nation received $960,000 in October 2022. Where did Nigeria’s share go?” Waldrum questioned.
He criticized the team’s chaotic October 2022 Japan friendly, where exhausted players arrived hours before kickoff after grueling travel. “Five starters landed just 16 hours pre-match. We lost crucial training days,” he revealed.
Waldrum also highlighted staffing shortages, noting Nigeria traveled with just 11 technical staff despite FIFA approving 22. “We lack analysts and scouts—I’m forced to rely on online videos while other teams have European scouts,” he stated.
The American coach emphasized FIFA’s business-class travel policy, arguing there was no excuse for subpar arrangements. His claims resurfaced despite Nigeria’s preparatory matches against the USA, Japan, and Mexico, plus training camps in Turkey and Australia.
Ironically, the Falcons delivered their strongest World Cup performance in decades—holding Canada and Ireland, stunning Australia 3-2, and pushing England to penalties in the knockout stage.
The NFF remains silent on these fresh allegations.
