Nigeria’s Super Falcons bowed out of the 2024 Olympic Games following a gruelling group stage that pitted them against Brazil, Spain, and Japan.
Despite a valiant effort, narrow defeats to Brazil and Spain, coupled with a heavier loss to Japan, proved insurmountable.
The team’s elimination has, however, cast a shadow over Randy Waldrum’s tenure as coach. With his contract set to expire at the end of the tournament, questions are being raised about the American’s future.
As the dust settles on the Super Falcons’ Olympics campaign, scrutiny will inevitably fall on Waldrum’s performance. Did he achieve the desired goals for the Super Falcons during his four-year tenure? Should the Nigeria Football Federation extend his contract or seek a new direction for the team?
Time for a critical assessment.
A new era for the Super Falcons
Appointed in October 2020, Waldrum inherited a Super Falcons team with a rich history but a recent record that belied its potential.
Despite dominating African football, Nigeria had struggled to replicate this success on the global stage. A series of humiliating defeats, including three 8-0 thrashings against Norway, the USA, and France, underscored the chasm between the team and the world’s elite.
Despite winning the 2018 African Women’s Cup of Nations, the squad was aging and showing signs of decline. The 2020 Aisha Buhari Cup, an invitational tournament, gave a clear indication that Nigeria's continental crown was slipping: on home soil, the nine-time African champions suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of South Africa in the final.
Waldrum’s mission was clear: to rejuvenate the squad with young talent, build a physically and technically superior team, and elevate Nigeria’s standing in global women’s football.
WAFCON 2022: A setback for the Super Falcons
The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) marked a significant setback for the Super Falcons. This was the second time a foreign coach had led the team, but the campaign ended in disappointment. Despite reaching the semi-finals, Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to hosts Morocco. A subsequent defeat to Zambia in the third-place playoff further compounded the team’s woes.
The underwhelming performance sparked widespread criticism, with many fans calling for the dismissal of Waldrum and advocating for a local coach. While the NFF expressed disappointment, they ultimately retained the American due to his success in qualifying the team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Super Falcons soar at the World Cup
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was a watershed moment for the Super Falcons. Nigeria's performance was a revelation, marking a significant leap forward for the team. Undefeated in regulation time, they showcased their mettle against footballing giants like England, Canada, and Australia.
A historic victory over co-hosts Australia ignited a wave of national pride. While their journey ended in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to England in the Round of 16, the team's progress was undeniable. This impressive showing propelled Nigeria up the FIFA rankings to 32nd, solidifying their status as a rising force in women's football.
Super Falcons' Olympic return ends in disappointment
Nigeria’s 16-year wait for an Olympic appearance ended in 2024 when the Super Falcons secured qualification for the Paris Games. However, the team's campaign was short-lived as they exited the tournament at the group stage.
Despite a valiant effort, the Super Falcons succumbed to narrow defeats against Brazil and Spain before suffering a heavier loss to Japan in their final group match. The team's failure to progress has ignited debate about Waldrum’s future, with questions raised about his ability to guide the team to the next level.
The early exit from the Olympics marks a significant setback for the Super Falcons and raises concerns about the team’s overall trajectory.
The verdict: Time for a change
While Randy Waldrum has undoubtedly contributed to the Super Falcons' development, assembling a talented squad with the potential to compete at the highest level, it is evident that the team requires a fresh perspective.
The recent Olympic exit underscores the need for a new approach to propel the Super Falcons to greater heights.
