President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick says the appointment of Randy Waldrum could see the Super Falcons dominate women’s football in the world.
Waldrum was announced as the new handler of the Falcons on Monday.
The 64-year-old American-born took over from Swedish coach Thomas Dennerby who left his position as Falcons coach after the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
And commenting on Waldrum’s appointment, Pinnick talking on various issues, explained how the appointment was made.
“For the Super Falcons, I’m happy to announce that Randy Waldrum will be the man tasked with taking our Women to the next level,” Pinnick wrote on his verified Twitter handle.
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“Waldrum was one of over forty coaches interviewed by our consultants, Phillips Consulting, with that list pruned to four and Waldrum getting the job.
“I’m extremely happy with the professional work Phillips Consulting has done and I’m hopeful that our Coach will turn our dominance on the continent to dominance worldwide.
“Hopefully, with a new man in charge, our Women can start proper preparations for football again.”
Pinnick said the friendly games involving Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia are funded by the countries football federations.
The NFF president also expressed his delight following Kevin Akpoguma’s switch from Germany to Nigeria.
“Algeria and Tunisia in Austria, even though it will be played without fans in the stadium. These games are fully funded by us at the the NFF and the football federations of both countries as well.
“With regards to the injuries to Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo, it does mean Coach Gernot Rohr might be a bit light in the middle. However, I’m extremely happy to announce that FIFA has just granted Hoffenheim defender and former German U-20 national team skipper Kevin Ufuoma Akpoguma permission to make his switch to Nigeria with immediate effect.”
On when football in the country will resume, he said:”With regards to local football and our own Nigerian Professional Football League, I would like to plead with our enthusiastic football fans to tarry a while. Until we get the necessary permissions from Health authorities, the Federal Minstry of Youth and Sports as well as the Federal Government, all we can do is prepare.
“However, I’d like to use this opportunity to reiterate to the various football clubs that it will not be business as usual
“We will ensure that all requirements, agreements and protocols, with regards to Club Licensing are fully met and complied. Let’s not waste this chance to elevate our local league. I’m confident that with everybody on board, we will get the league we want.”
Commenting on the expected funds from FIFA:”I had announced earlier that we were expecting funds from World Football governing body FIFA, as part of palliative measures to help with the hardships occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We recently recieved $500,000 as part of the total sum, but this has already been earmarked for the development of the Women’s game by FIFA. It means the funds can only be used for that purpose.
“We are expecting another $500,000 any moment from now and another $500,000 in January. The Confederation of African Football is expected to credit our account with $5000,000; $300,000 of that to be added to our palliative funds as approved by the EXCO. The balance $200,000 from our sponsors are intact.
“Sadly, I’ve seen a report alleging that the full sum has been paid. This is far from true. Reports like these undermine what we are trying to achieve and it truly isn’t good for the development of our game. I’m in touch with our legal department and we will consider our options.”
Pinnick went on to thank the NFF sponsors, Sports Minister Sunday Dare and President Muhammadu Buhari for their continued support for Nigerian football.
He added:”In conclusion, I’d like to, as I usually do with these things, use this opportunity to thank our sponsors and partners, especially the AITEO Group. They truly are partners in football. To members of my Executive Board who I now call “Family;”
“To the Nigerian Football Congress for their unflinching support, the Minister of Youth & Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare for the stellar advice and direction, the National Assembly Sports Committees, the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari for his steadfast support and finally, You, Nigerians, for your prayers and criticisms.”
By James Agberebi
4 Comments
Abeggy make we hear word.
@Drdrey my brother I am equally tired as you are, as big as we are in the continent , the most successful women national team in Africa all they got us is a part time coach…. I feel sad and disappointed …i have also look at his profile nothing special… Just a one time coach of Trinidad and tobago…a country we can wipe anytime any day ….and this university that he is handling now ….I feel shame for our women football and more shame for the NFF for doing this to us after waiting this long …40 people came for the job so the only qualified person is a man who is coaching a university womens team .. What a shame , can Ghana FA do this , can south Africa FA do this ….only in Nigeria …part time coach …where is the concentration …he will shuttle between USA and Nigeria ….where as we have many people looking for Job …that are more qualified …..well done
My brother let’s take it easy with the new coach and see what he has to offer.
A fantastic coach may not do well with a poor team that’s normal.His contributions towards the development of female football in Trinidad & Tobago could be an area which may have played to his favour as well achievements in other employment.
He may have managed college or university teams perhaps he did well which is good enough to land him the job.
I really have not looked up this fellow but let’s be patient with him hopefully he could be the Rohr version of our female senior national team.
“…Waldrum was one of over forty coaches interviewed by our consultants, Phillips Consulting, with that list pruned to four and Waldrum getting the job…”
My question is, who are the so-called coaches who were shortlisted….do they not have names….? Why is the process of appointing coaches in Nigeria shrouded in so much secrecy…?
If all we can get is a part-time coach who is the coaching a university team, ahead of the likes of Maureen Mmadu and Perpetua Nkwocha who are professional league coaches in Scandinavia…..then I am speechless. I’ve checked this Randy guys profile and there is nothing in it that looks better than what the likes of Mmadu, Akide-Udoh and Nkwocha have.
Pinnick Consul….sorry…Phillips consulting……una wehdon o..!
And some people will be raising filthy fists and kneeling aimlessly in the name of black lives matter as if black emancipation is by racing fists….Rubbish.