The recent saga between Super Falcons Head Coach Randy Waldrum and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has brought to light serious issues regarding unpaid salaries and poor team preparations.
As Nigeria’s national women’s football team gears up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, tensions have escalated, with accusations and blame being exchanged between the coach and the federation. This article takes a look into the details of the ongoing conflict and its potential impact on the Super Falcons’ performance at the upcoming tournament.
Unpaid Salaries and Bonuses
Randy Waldrum has publicly voiced his frustration with the NFF, citing significant salary arrears. According to the coach, he had been owed 14 months’ salary, which was only partially paid three weeks ago, catching him up by seven months. Furthermore, Waldrum highlighted that some players had not received their wages for the past two years, specifically mentioning outstanding payments from the summer series. Adding fuel to the fire, Waldrum questioned the whereabouts of the $960,000 provided by FIFA for team preparations, demanding an explanation from the Football Administrators.
Poor Preparations and Team Selection
Waldrum expressed dissatisfaction with the preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, comparing it unfavorably to a college football team’s preparations. He mentioned that camp openings had been slow, forcing him to rely on previous camp data for team selection. The coach also claimed that the NFF attempted to impose a goalkeeper he had never seen play, but he refused the decision. As a consequence, the NFF allegedly retaliated by excluding his assistant coach, Lauren Gregg, from the tournament.
READ ALSO: Onome Ebi: A Remarkable Journey at the FIFA Women’s World Cup
NFF’s Response and Accusations
In response to Waldrum’s outbursts, the NFF accused the coach of evading responsibility and shifting blame. They dismissed his claims regarding unpaid wages, asserting that FIFA’s preparation funds had been utilized adequately. The NFF further criticized Waldrum’s coaching abilities, labeling him the “worst coach to have handled the Super Falcons of Nigeria by a country mile.” These contentious remarks have escalated tensions between the coach and the federation.
Below is the response by NFF Communications Director, Ademola Olajire to Randy Waldrum;
“Incompetent loudmouth, found his voice now since he’s about to achieve his only ambition of leading a team at the women’s world cup. Everyone knows FIFA pays preparation money for every team going to the women’s world cup and the team travelled to japan to play matches, travelled to mexico for a tournament and travelled to turkey to play matches. The team is presently having a 15-day training camp in gold coast ahead of the women’s world cup. Is it mr blabbermouth waldrum who has been paying? he claims he’s been at the job because of the players. bollocks. His entire objective has always been to add leading a team at the world cup to his CV. worst coach to have handled the super falcons of nigeria by a country mile.”
Potential Impact on Super Falcons
With less than three weeks until the FIFA Women’s World Cup, concerns have arisen regarding the effect of this conflict on the Super Falcons’ performance. The timing of Waldrum’s interview has divided opinions within the Nigerian football community, as some fear it may disrupt team unity and focus. Nevertheless, the NFF has planned a send-forth dinner for the team, indicating their commitment to supporting the players amidst the ongoing dispute.
Conclusion
The ongoing saga between Super Falcons Head Coach Randy Waldrum and the Nigeria Football Federation has highlighted serious issues surrounding unpaid salaries, poor preparations, and team selections. As the Super Falcons prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the conflict threatens to undermine their performance and unity. The football community eagerly awaits a resolution to the dispute, hoping that the focus can shift back to the team’s preparations and their quest for success on the international stage.
