Nigeria Women’s National Football Team head coach Randy Waldrum has attributed the Super Falcons’ poor performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics to inadequate preparation time.
The team was eliminated from the tournament after three consecutive defeats, culminating in a 3-1 loss to Japan in their final group stage match.
Waldrum, who had promised an improved performance against Japan, revealed that the Super Falcons missed a crucial training window before the Olympics, resulting in a 10-day loss of vital preparation.
“We prepared for them (all three opponents) based on the fact that we haven’t had a lot of time,” Waldrum said, according to OgaNlamedia via ESPN. “We missed the last window before the Olympics, and so we missed 10 days of good training.”
With three defeats and only one goal scored, the Super Falcons fell far short of expectations, leaving their supporters disappointed.
This marked the team’s first Olympic appearance in 16 years, having last competed in the 2008 edition.
Waldrum’s comments highlight the urgent need for better planning and investment in the Nigerian women’s national team program.
The early exit has raised concerns about the future direction of the Super Falcons and the overall development of women’s football in Nigeria.
In contrast, Japan’s head coach, Futoshi Ikeda, expressed relief following his team’s victory over the Super Falcons.
Japan finished at the top of their group with six points, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
“We are relieved that we were able to win our last group match and advance to the quarterfinals,” Ikeda said, commending his players for their performance in the challenging “Group of Death.”
As the Super Falcons return home, the focus will turn to evaluating their performance and implementing strategies to ensure a stronger showing in future international competitions.
The team’s experience in Paris underscores the critical need for thorough preparation and sustained investment in women’s football development in Nigeria.