Former Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has publicly questioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding the alleged mismanagement of a $960,000 USD grant provided by FIFA in October 2022 for the team’s preparation ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In a resurfaced video circulating on social media, Waldrum claimed that the NFF received the funds but failed to utilize them effectively, leading to inadequate preparation for the tournament.
Waldrum criticized the NFF for poor planning and insufficient resources, citing chaotic logistics and a lack of essential technical staff support. He recounted instances where players arrived just hours before matches due to disorganized travel arrangements. Additionally, he highlighted that FIFA provides financial support for business-class travel and technical staff, questioning why the NFF did not leverage these provisions.
In response, NFF spokesperson Ademola Olajire dismissed Waldrum’s allegations, labeling him an “incompetent loudmouth” and rejecting the claims without providing detailed financial transparency or evidence of how the funds were utilized.
The controversy has been further compounded by reports that the Super Falcons are considering boycotting the upcoming FIFA international window scheduled for December 2–10, 2025, due to unpaid bonuses and allowances dating back to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Sources within the team revealed that players are still awaiting payment of match bonuses, camp allowances, and winning bonuses from their participation in the Olympics.
A senior squad member, speaking anonymously, stated that the players have unanimously agreed not to honor any national team call-up until the arrears are cleared. The NFF has not released a provisional squad list or announced any confirmed fixtures for the December window. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, acknowledged the players’ concerns, confirming ongoing discussions with the National Sports Commission to resolve the financial dispute before the window opens.
These developments underscore ongoing issues within Nigerian football administration, particularly concerning financial transparency and the timely payment of players’ entitlements. The situation mirrors recent events involving the Super Eagles, who boycotted training sessions earlier in November over unpaid bonuses, leading to public outcry and calls for better management within the NFF.
As the Super Falcons prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the resolution of these issues remains critical to ensure the team’s focus and performance are not adversely affected.