By RismadarVoice Reporter
November 29, 2025
Former Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has raised fresh concerns over the Nigeria Football Federation’s handling of funds allegedly released by FIFA for the team’s preparation ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Waldrum alleged that FIFA disbursed $960,000 (about N1.45bn) to all participating countries in October 2022 as preparatory support, but claimed the NFF failed to provide adequate camping and logistical arrangements for the Nigerian team.
“I have a close contact in the US who is connected with some people on the FIFA board,” Waldrum said in the video. “This person told me that in October, every country was given $960,000 from FIFA to prepare for the World Cup. Where is that money?”
The American coach dismissed suggestions that the team’s friendly match in Japan counted as proper preparation, describing the trip as poorly coordinated and physically exhausting for the players.
“We went to Japan, flew in, played the game, and went home. Some players arrived the morning before the game. Five players who were going to start arrived the night before, after travelling 16 hours,” he said.
Waldrum also criticised the size of the technical and backroom staff the NFF approved for the World Cup campaign, saying the federation travelled with only 11 staff members, far below the 22 allowed by FIFA.
“I don’t have an analyst, and I scout. The US has scouts in Europe watching teams. We don’t even have scouts going with us to Australia. Everything I have to do is on videos and what I can pick up online,” he added.
He further argued that FIFA provides funding for business-class tickets and deducts the cost later from prize money, insisting that “there is no excuse” for inadequate travel arrangements or lack of camping.
“These are the kinds of things that the people of Nigeria don’t question. In the US, they would be questioned,” he said.
Available records, however, show that the Super Falcons featured in several friendly matches and training tours ahead of the tournament.
•USA friendlies – August 2022
•Japan friendly – October 2022
•Mexico invitational tournament – February 2023
•Turkey camp – April 2023
•Defeated New Zealand 3–0
•Defeated Haiti 2–1
•Gold Coast, Australia training camp – July 4–11, 2023
•Played Lions FC before moving to Brisbane for the FIFA camp
Despite the challenges cited by Waldrum, the Super Falcons impressed at the tournament:
•Held Canada to a 0–0 draw
•Held Ireland to a 0–0 draw
•Pulled off a stunning 3–2 win over co-hosts Australia
•Crashed out in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss (4–2) to England
The Nigeria Football Federation has yet to publicly respond to Waldrum’s latest claims.
