NFF confirms Waldrum’s exit, appoints Madugu as Falcons interim coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed Randy Waldrum’s resignation as the Super Falcons head coach. 

The federation confirmed the American’s exit in a statement on Thursday.

There were reports that Waldrum submitted a resignation letter to NFF earlier this month.

In the viral letter, the 67-year-old cited his wife’s “health issues” as the primary reason for his exit.

NFF failed to say anything in public concerning the development until now.

“The Executive Committee also approved the Technical and Development Sub-Committee recommendation for Coach Justin Madugu to lead the remaining technical crew and take charge of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, pending the appointment of a substantive Head Coach,” the statement reads.

Waldrum took charge of the Super Falcons in 2020. Three years earlier, he had turned down the job to manage the team.

The coach combined the Falcons’ role with the Pittsburgh Panthers.

During his four-year reign at the helm, Waldrum led the team to the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) and finished fourth.

He also managed the team to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. Nigeria drew Canada, defeated Australia, and held Ireland in the group stage to progress to the second round, where they lost to England on penalties.

Waldrum also helped the Falcons qualify for the team’s first Olympics since 2008. However, the ladies failed to win a match in a group that included Spain, Japan, and Brazil at the 2024 Paris Olympics.