Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has tendered his tendered resignation to the Nigeria Football Federation due to personal reasons. As he steps down from his role as head coach of Nigeria's Super Falcons, it's worth reflecting on some of the most memorable matches from his tenure.
Despite initial skepticism, Waldrum managed to oversee some remarkable performances, guiding the team through crucial encounters on the global stage.
Here are five of his best matches as coach of the Super Falcons.
Nigeria 3-2 Australia – 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Perhaps Waldrum's defining moment as Nigeria coach came in a thrilling group-stage victory over World Cup co-hosts, Australia.
After falling behind to a goal from Emily van Egmond, the Super Falcons responded almost immediately through Uchenna Kanu, leveling the score just before halftime.
The introduction of Asisat Oshoala from the bench proved pivotal, as the six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year not only assisted Nigeria's second goal but also scored the third in a magnificent solo effort.
Oshoala's goal turned out to be the match-winner, sealing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. This win helped Nigeria finish second in their group and progress to the knockout stages.
Nigeria 0-0 Canada – 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Nigeria’s opening game of the 2023 World Cup against Olympic champions Canada was a defensive masterclass. Waldrum's team held their own against a vastly experienced Canadian side, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie emerging as the hero.
Christine Sinclair, Canada’s legendary captain, earned a penalty in the 50th minute, but Nnadozie’s remarkable one-handed save denied her, preserving the clean sheet.
Nigeria had to weather the storm with a robust defensive performance and even went down to ten players after Deborah Abiodun's red card in stoppage time. Nevertheless, Waldrum's tactical discipline saw the Super Falcons claim a vital point.
Nigeria 1-0 Cameroon – 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
Securing qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Waldrum led Nigeria to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Rasheedat Ajibade provided the game's lone goal, converting a header in the 57th minute after a pinpoint cross from Ifeoma Onumonu.
The win ensured that Nigeria would be competing in their ninth consecutive World Cup, cementing Waldrum's success at a crucial juncture.
Nigeria 4-0 Burundi – 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
In one of the more straightforward victories during his tenure, Waldrum’s Super Falcons dismantled Burundi in the group stages of the 2022 WAFCON. The team’s relentless attacking saw Rasheedat Ajibade, Peace Efih, and Uchenna Kanu (twice) get on the scoresheet in a dominant 4-0 victory.
Ajibade opened the scoring from the penalty spot after being fouled by the Burundi goalkeeper. The Falcons added three more goals in quick succession to secure a comfortable win, ensuring their passage to the knockout rounds.
5. Nigeria 0 (1) vs 0 (0) South Africa – 2024 Olympic Games Qualifier (Second Leg)
Although not the most high-scoring match of Waldrum's tenure, Nigeria's 0-0 draw against South Africa in the second leg of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifier deserves mention for its significance. After securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, the Super Falcons traveled to Pretoria and put in a resolute defensive display to hold off South Africa and secure an aggregate win.
This gritty performance ensured Nigeria's qualification for the Olympic Games, adding another highlight to Waldrum’s time as coach.
Randy Waldrum's tenure as Super Falcons coach had its fair share of ups and downs, but these five matches stand out as some of his finest moments.
