Super Falcons Coach speaks on disappointing Olympics, future of the team

• Super Falcons Coach Randy Waldrum, has heaped praise on his team despite their Group stage ouster from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic games.
• The record African Queens failed to win a single game in a group that had reigning World Champions Spain, as well as heavyweights Brazil and Japan.

Super Falcons Coach Randy Waldrum, had lauded his team despite a disappointing Olympic campaign, acknowledging the fact that they have the talent and potential to become one of the world's top teams. The American tactician believes that with the right investment and organization, the team can overcome the challenges that have held them back and achieve greatness.

The 67-year-old's optimism is rooted in the team's balanced mix of experienced players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Osinachi Ohale, alongside promising youngsters like Deborah Abiodun, Tosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran, and Nicole Payne. He sees a bright future for the team, but emphasizes the need for changes in the way they operate.

"Our players are extremely talented," he told ESPN. "That's always been the history of Nigeria, it has extremely talented players. And I think this one could be a special group. We've shown our quality against some of the best teams in the world."

"I'm excited about the young players but I really do like the core of our team. I guess the one thing I said after the World Cup, and I would continue to say it now publicly, is if we will invest in this team, as a federation and a country, this team would have a chance to be one of the best in the world." He added.

The coach's desire to bring a more American-style organization to the team has been hindered by issues like staggered travel arrangements, visa troubles, lack of advanced scheduling, and payment problems. These challenges have affected the team's preparation and performance, making it difficult for them to reach their full potential.

"One of the things I really hoped I could do when I came to Nigeria as a coach, is to bring some experiences of the way we do things in the US, with our organization, and with our preparation, but for whatever reason we still battle some of the same issues." He lamented.

Waldrum's passion for the team and his desire to stay on beyond his current contract are evident. He hopes to inject new blood into the team and take them beyond the next WAFCON. However, he acknowledges that the decision ultimately lies with the Nigeria Football Federation.

"I would like to [stay on]," He said. "I love the team. I love the direction that we're headed. After a rough start here, I think we're headed in a good direction.

"There's a lot of upcoming talent as we start to move some of the older players out after the Olympics and bring some young talent in. I think we can accomplish great things in the next level.

"That's more of a question for the Federation. I don't know if they want me to or not, but I hope they at least appreciate the fact that we had the showing that we did at the World Cup and that we have qualified them for the Olympics.

"And I hope they see that we're doing some good things and but that'll be a decision that's up to them. I'm just thankful that we got through all the rough times and appreciate the belief the NFF has shown in me to keep me on and allow me to do my work. But I certainly would entertain staying on beyond." He concluded.

The Pittsburgh Panthers gaffer will now turn his attention to the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations slated to begin on the 5th of July 2025, as He and his team would look to build upon 2022 edition's fourth place finish.