Waldrum Questions NFF on $960,000 World Cup Grant

Former Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has demanded that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) clarify how it utilised the $960,000 reportedly disbursed by FIFA in October 2022 to all participating nations for preparations ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Waldrum criticised the organisation of Nigeria’s October 2022 friendly in Japan, describing it as poorly arranged and physically taxing, with players arriving just hours before the match. He also highlighted the small backroom staff, saying the team travelled with about 11 personnel instead of the 22 allowed by FIFA, and lamented the lack of analysts and scouts.

He questioned why, despite FIFA’s provision for business-class travel and preparation support, the NFF did not arrange proper training camps.

Records show that the Super Falcons engaged in several preparatory activities before the World Cup, including friendlies against the USA, Japan, and Mexico, a training camp in Turkey, and a tour in Gold Coast, Australia.

Despite these organisational concerns, the team performed strongly at the tournament, drawing with Canada and Ireland, defeating co-host Australia 3–2, and reaching the Round of 16, where they lost to England on penalties after a goalless draw.

The NFF has not responded to Waldrum’s renewed allegations.