Randy Waldrum returns to the U.S after Super Falcons World Cup exit

The Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, have touched down in their home country following their departure from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted in Australia and New Zealand.

The team, led by coach Randy Waldrum, bowed out of the competition after a gripping showdown with the Three Lionesses of England, resulting in a 4-2 penalty shootout loss.

In a heart-pounding encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the match concluded in a goalless draw after both regulation time and extra time failed to produce a winner.

Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Gift Monday, and Rofiat Imuran, among other members of the squad, arrived at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday night. Their return marked the end of their journey in the global tournament.

On their arrival, the Super Falcons received a warm welcome from various dignitaries, including Fatai Majekodunmi, a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as well as Fouad Oki, the Chairman of the Lagos Football Association, and other esteemed figures.

Notably, Randy Waldrum, the head coach of the team, had promptly departed Australia shortly after the team’s exit from the World Cup. Departing alongside him were several players hailing from the diaspora.

This group included Michelle Alozie, Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu, Deborah Abiodun, and Toni Payne.

The coach’s decision to leave the tournament location was aimed at regrouping and reassessing the team’s performance in the aftermath of their elimination.