Former Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has publicly challenged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). He is questioning the alleged receipt of $960,000 from FIFA. This money was reportedly for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Allegations of Missing FIFA World Cup Funds
In a widely circulated video, the ex-coach shared his serious concerns. He claimed a close contact within FIFA alerted him. This contact revealed that every participating country received $960,000. The funds were designated as tournament preparation support.
These disputed funds amount to roughly ₦1.4 billion. They were reportedly credited to the NFF’s accounts in October 2022. This timing was approximately ten months before the tournament’s kickoff.
Waldrum stated that FIFA released the money for a specific purpose. It was intended for women’s football development. It also supported team preparation for all participating nations.
Waldrum Highlights Poor Preparation and Inadequate Support
Despite the alleged financial inflow, Waldrum expressed deep disappointment. He lamented that the NFF failed to properly camp the Super Falcons. This crucial preparation was missing before the tournament.
The former coach also criticised the federation’s limits on technical staffing. He recounted attending the global event. It was the biggest women’s tournament. Yet, he lacked essential technical support personnel.
Waldrum specifically recalled conversations with his FIFA contact. “This person told me that in October, every country was given $960,000 from FIFA,” he stated. He then posed a direct question: “Where is that money?”
He continued, “If Nigeria got that money, why didn’t we have a camp in November?” He highlighted a trip to Japan. “We flew in and played the game and went home,” he explained. “We wasted the last five days of that window to train.”
Waldrum also revealed another FIFA provision. If countries struggle with business class tickets, FIFA funds them. The cost is then deducted from post-World Cup earnings. “Therefore, there’s no excuse,” he asserted, “to claim we lacked funds for tickets or camps.”
Regarding technical staff, FIFA allows up to 22 people. “Well, we have only about eleven,” Waldrum noted. “So if FIFA will pay bonuses for up to 22 people, why don’t we have 22 people?”
He further detailed his challenges. “I don’t have an analyst, and I scout,” he said. He contrasted this with the US. “The US has a scout in Europe, watching teams play,” Waldrum explained. This is for potential World Cup matchups.
“We don’t even have scouts going with us to Australia,” he lamented. “I don’t even have anybody to scout games. If we get out of our group, I don’t even have anybody to scout games in other groups. Everything I have to do is on videos and what I can pick up online.”
A Demand for Accountability from the NFF
Waldrum urged Nigerians to demand answers. “These are the kinds of things that the people of Nigeria don’t question,” he observed. He drew a comparison: “In the US, they would be questioned. If the US Soccer Federation were doing the same things, it would have to answer to it.”
The former coach’s queries put immense pressure on the NFF. Nigerians await clear explanations regarding the alleged FIFA funds. They also seek assurances about proper team management.
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