Randy Waldrum’s Top 5 Matches as Super Falcons Coach

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has resigned from his position with the Nigeria Football Federation due to personal reasons. As he departs from his role, it’s a good time to reflect on his most notable matches.

Despite early doubts, Waldrum led the team to several impressive performances on the global stage.

Here are five of his standout matches with the Super Falcons.

Nigeria 3-2 Australia – 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Waldrum’s standout achievement as Nigeria’s coach came with a dramatic 3-2 win over co-host Australia in the group stage. After conceding an early goal to Emily van Egmond, the Super Falcons quickly equalized with a strike from Uchenna Kanu just before halftime.

The game-changing moment came with the introduction of Asisat Oshoala, who not only assisted Nigeria’s second goal but also scored the decisive third with a brilliant 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

In their opening match of the 2023 World Cup, Nigeria delivered a defensive masterclass against the Olympic champions Canada. Waldrum’s team put in a resilient performance, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie emerging as the standout player.

In the 50th minute, Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair won a penalty, but Nnadozie made a stunning one-handed save to keep the score level. Despite facing intense pressure and playing with ten players after Deborah Abiodun’s red card in stoppage time, Nigeria’s solid defensive effort earned them a crucial point.

Nigeria 1-0 Cameroon – 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)

In a crucial match for World Cup qualification, Waldrum guided Nigeria to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cameroon in the 2022 WAFCON quarterfinals. Rasheedat Ajibade scored the only goal of the game, heading in a precise cross from Ifeoma Onumonu in the 57th minute.

This victory secured Nigeria’s place in their ninth consecutive World Cup, marking a significant achievement for Waldrum at a pivotal moment.

Nigeria 4-0 Burundi – 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)

In one of the more decisive wins of his tenure, Waldrum’s Super Falcons overwhelmed Burundi in the group stages of the 2022 WAFCON. Nigeria’s aggressive attack led to goals from Rasheedat Ajibade, Peace Efih, and Uchenna Kanu (twice) in a commanding 4-0 victory.

Ajibade started the scoring with a penalty after being fouled by the Burundi goalkeeper. The Falcons quickly added three more goals to secure a convincing win and advance to the knockout stages.

Nigeria 0-0 South Africa–Paris 2024 Olympic Games Qualifier (Second Leg)

While 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 was crucial. After a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, the Super Falcons traveled to Pretoria and delivered a resolute defensive performance. They successfully fended off South Africa’s attacks, securing a goalless draw that earned them an aggregate win.

This determined display ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the Olympic Games, marking a significant achievement in Waldrum’s coaching career.

Randy Waldrum’s time as Super Falcons coach had its share of challenges, but these five matches highlight some of his most memorable moments.