Former Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances of reclaiming the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, stating that the team has the talent and hunger to succeed — provided the right players are selected.
Speaking in a recent interview, Waldrum, who now coaches the University of Pittsburgh Panthers women’s soccer team in the United States, emphasized that the Super Falcons possess the quality needed to lift the trophy in Morocco.
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“If I select the players, I think the talent is good enough on its own to win it,” Waldrum said. “There’s enough ability there, especially building on what was achieved at the World Cup and Olympics. Those players are motivated and hungry to regain the title.”
The American tactician, who led Nigeria to the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, cautioned that the wrong blend of players could jeopardize the team’s chances, even with a talented pool available.
“They can do it, but if the wrong blend of players is called up, it could become a struggle,” he warned. “Morocco and Ivory Coast are going to be well-organized, and teams like Zambia, Cameroon, and Ghana are always tough. In Africa, player composition across nations makes all the difference.”
While Waldrum voiced concerns about the current coaching standards within the national setup, he maintained that the players’ individual qualities might still be enough to deliver continental success.
“I don’t think the coaching is currently at the level needed to win on the world stage, but with the right player selection, their talent could still be enough. I’m holding out hope that the players can get it done,” he concluded.
The Super Falcons, record nine-time champions of Africa, are aiming to reclaim the WAFCON crown they last won in 2018.
