The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its director of communications, Ademola Olajire have reacted to the recent outburst of Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum on the ineptitude of the federation ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Coach Randy Waldrum in his outburst lamented the lack of support by the NFF and the inadequate preparation of the team ahead of the biggest women’s football competition in the world.
The American coach also accused the NFF of meddling into his team’s selection.
However, in a statement released by Ademola Olajire, the federation accused Randy Waldrum of making unrealistic demands in terms of preparing the team for the tournament.
The football federation revealed the reason why his assistant, Lauren Gregg was dropped.
The Federation also questioned his decision to leave out Ngozi Okobi and Regina Otu out of the squad even though he is aware that the duo of Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde won’t be available for selection in the opening match against Canada due to suspension.
“We have to first ask when the European season ended. The man wanted a two-week camping for only home-based professionals (whom he already gave very little consideration in his provisional list). Like two weeks ago, he released his final list of 23, meaning there was absolutely no need for any camping for home-based again except to simply waste resources. instead of admitting his glaring deficiencies, he’s there shooting his mouth off”
“He knows he will not have Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde (two key players) for the opener against Canada, yet he left out Ngozi Okobi and Regina Otu from the squad”
“The NFF felt it would make more sense for the 23 to go straight to Australia and camp for 15/16 days acclimatising to the weather and conditions. The NFF wanted him to groom a home-based goal tender like Chiamaka Nnadozie was groomed”
“Instead, he kept bringing Yewande Balogun (who started as a goalkeeper coach!) all the time without consideration for a home girl. The same lady has only kept goal in one friendly in over 2 years (& only because Chiamaka was badly injured in a friendly in Mexico this year)”
“His outbursts are nothing but an after-thought. He’s talking only 3 days to the team’s departure to the #FIFAWWC. Randy says he don’t know any home-based goalkeeper but could pick likes of Tosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran & Deborah Abiodun from the same U20 you spotted them.”
“The NFF literally dodged a bullet with his assistant at the WAFCON in Morocco because of the woman’s failing health. Everyone was scared stiff.”
