Randy Waldrum, Super Falcons Coach Resigns. See Full Text Of His Resignation Letter
The Nigeria Football Federation, although yet to react, has received the resignation letter of the coach of her women National team, the Super Falcons.
American, Randy Waldrum has stepped down from his position as coach of Nigeria, citing family reasons, LN247 reports.
The Pitts coach in America expressed gratitude for being given opportunity to serve but claimed that he is going away because of the failing health of his wife.
Randy Waldrum led Nigeria to a round of 16 finish at the last women world cup in Australia and qualified Nigeria for the Olympics in Paris France 2024, a feat last achieved in 2008.
Full Text Of His Resignation Letter
September 12, 2024
Nigerian Media – Release
RE: Statement from Randy Waldrum
It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics, with my wife’s health issues, and the worries that obviously come with that. After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as Head Coach of the Super Falcons. This will allow the NFF ample time to find the next manager to take over this incredible squad.
I always wanted to leave any project better off than when I took it over, and I believe we have done that with the Super Falcons. We have built a squad that can compete consistently with any top team in the world. The future is bright with the current team as well as the up-and-coming U20 and U17 pool of players.
We had not qualified for an Olympics in 16 years, so qualifying was a huge accomplishment for the program. In addition, we beat two of the best teams in Africa in Cameroon and South Africa along the way. We played three of the top ten teams in the world, including the defending World Cup Champions, and played very well against both Spain and Brazil during the Olympics. Conversely, if you look back at the matches from the 2023 World Cup until the Olympics we had the following results:
Canada (Olympic Champions) – Result – 0-0 (draw)
Australia (#10 World Ranking) – Result – 3-1 (win)
Ireland (#21 World Ranking) – Result – 0-0 (draw)
England (#3 & European Champions) Result – 0-0 (draw) lost in penalties
Brazil (#9 World Ranking) – 1-0 (loss)
Spain (#1 World Cup Champions) – 1-0 (loss)
Japan (#7 World Ranking) – Result – 3-1 (loss)
*That’s 7 of the World’s Top Ten teams in FIFA rankings and we won 1, drew 3, lost 3! No other Super Falcons team has had that kind of success against the world’s best. This team has proven it can be one of the best in the world and play against any team without fear.
I would like to thank Past President Amaju Pinnick for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. I appreciate his open communication always accepting my calls and willingness to discuss any issues.
To President Ibrahim Gusau I thank you for the time you have given me and the opportunity to discuss with you the things that were and are needed moving forward. Your leadership will be very important for the progress of the Super Falcons.
A big thank you to Aisha Falode who I could not have done this without. Her support and help along the way have been immense. Along with the board, she understands the required approach to football, the professionalism that is required, and the support and resources that are necessary to be successful not just in Africa, but on the world stage.
I want to thank Kyle Quigley who was my right-hand assistant. We shared many hours together planning and figuring out how to navigate the World Cup and Olympics, and I will be forever grateful for your friendship and professionalism while on this journey. Only a few of us know the true difficulties we faced, but you stayed on giving up your time to help me and this team. One day the story will come out, and people will be amazed at how much we accomplished.
To Eboboritse Uwejamomere who worked as not only our video analyst, but as an assistant coach, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish we had you at the World Cup, but it was amazing having you on board through qualifications and the Olympics in France. You do a fantastic job with your analysis, and I appreciate your work ethic and professionalism as well. You have a bright future ahead of you, and the NFF should utilize your talents across all teams as much as possible.
To Lauren Gregg, I cannot thank you enough. Despite all the turmoil, you still worked tirelessly behind the scenes analyzing video and preparing analysis for us. I couldn’t have gotten through the World Cup without your work. You spent your own money, you traveled at your own expense, and you gave up your time and consulting business to help these players and myself. You are true class and I’m so thankful to have a friend like you with the professionalism you display.
Thank you as well to a few others like Pancho Serna and Tom Brown that has helped me with analysis during my time with the NFF, along with my son Ben who has helped from behind the scenes in so many ways. His willingness to take over Pitt for me while I was away and his willingness to put in time on tactical analysis for the Super Falcons along with training was invaluable.
I would like to thank Tobex who has always had my back regardless of what was being said about our staff and the team. You helped me work with the media and journalists who were always there to support us in our quest. There are too many media and journalists to name who were behind me and the team, who really know football and can see the positive things we were doing. Thank you to all those media people and journalists, I really appreciate you and your support. Tobex, thank you for your professionalism, your work ethic, and your friendship! CAF is fortunate to have you, and you know I wish you all the best.
A quick thank you to Vivian and Priscilla who were our doctor and physio respectively during my tenure with the Super Falcons all the way through the World Cup, I value our friendship and thank you for all you did for me!
Lastly, or course my biggest gratitude goes to the players. We have built a side that can compete with anyone in the world. You all have been so supportive, so diligent about your work in difficult situations, and so professional in your approach to the national team. Your country is proud and should be very proud of all you have accomplished. My hope for all of you is that the NFF realizes where we are in the world now and capitalizes in giving more resources to ensure that you continue to climb as a world power. I thank you all for your hard work, your attention to detail, your willingness to try new things, and your overall coachability. The sky is the limit as to what you can achieve. I also appreciate your thoughts and prayers for my wife in a very difficult time, and you are all not only great players, but more importantly amazing young women who represent Nigeria in a first-class way. I wish you all nothing but the best, and I now feel as though I have added so many to my extended family. I’ll be here for each of you in any way you need moving forward.
I love you all and appreciate so much what we all accomplished together. You gave me memories for a lifetime!