The Super Falcons arrived in the country after finishing in the second round of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand/Australia.
They landed in Lagos on Wednesday afternoon at Murtala Muhammed Airport from Australia, without head coach Randy Waldrum, who left the camp on Tuesday and returned to his base in the United States.
His contract ends after the World Cup, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to clarify on whether he will be extended.
Prior to the ninth edition of the women’s world cup, the American coach had a disagreement with the NFF over funds, but Waldrum has remained consistent, highlighting his pride in the team’s accomplishments and a strong desire to lead them to qualify for the next Olympic Games.
For the first time, the Falcons did not lose a single match during the competition’s group stage, despite the group’s inclusion of powerful women’s footballing nations.
They were lost on penalties by European champions England on Monday, but their effort was lauded across the world.
“I am proud of my team. I want to stay with this team and continue working towards the Olympics next year. But that is not a matter for me to decide. We don’t want to take the success now and not continue to move forward when we get back to Nigeria,” he said after the loss to England.
Nigeria will not be represented in the men’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but the women’s squad has a solid chance of qualifying.
