Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has officially resigned from his position, citing personal reasons related to his wife’s health.

In a letter dated September 12th, Waldrum explained his decision to step down after a challenging few weeks.

“It’s been a very difficult few weeks following the Olympics, with my wife’s health issues, and the worries that obviously come with that,” Waldrum wrote.

“After much thought and consideration, I am hereby resigning my position as Head Coach of the Super Falcons. This will allow the NFF ample time to find the next manager to take over this incredible squad.”

Waldrum’s resignation comes at a crucial time for the Super Falcons and the NFF who is still struggling to find an head coach for the male national team, Super Eagles.

Randy Waldrum Era With The Super Falcons

Randy Waldrum was appointed as the head coach of Nigeria’s women’s national football team in October 2020.

Nigeria’s Forward Ifeoma Onumonu in action against Morocco in the semi-final match of the WAFCON. Photo | Twitter (NGSuper_Falcons)

He came in at a time when the team needed rejuvenation after several poor performances on the global stage, despite their dominance in African football.

He also coaches the women’s team at the University of Pittsburgh, managing both roles simultaneously.

Under his leadership, the Super Falcons have experienced both challenges and achievements.

Waldrum was questioned and hit a roadblock at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the team was eliminated in the semi-finals by Morocco and then lost the third-place match to Zambia.

This performance led to criticism, though Waldrum was retained due to his success in leading the team to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

2023 Women’s World Cup

At the 2023 World Cup, Nigeria performed exceptionally well, remaining undefeated in regular time.

Asisat Oshoala celebrates after scoring Nigeria’s third goal. (Photo by Chris Hyde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

They had a historic victory over co-hosts Australia and held their own against top teams like Canada and England.

However, they were eliminated by England in a penalty shootout during the Round of 16, but their efforts improved Nigeria’s world ranking.

Paris 2024 Olympics: A Nightmare Return

This form could not be replicated as Nigeria’s return to the Olympics in 2024 ended in shambles as the team was eliminated in the group stage.

Super Falcons during the women’s group C football match against Japan at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

The Super Falcons had originally been drawn in a ‘Group of Death’. They shared the group with Spain, Brazil and Japan.

The ladies lost all three matches and head ed back home as last on the table with 0 points.

Difficult Times Ahead for the NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will now be tasked with finding a replacement for both the male and the female national team.