- Super Falcons’ coach Randy Waldrum believes the team’s impressive World Cup performance justifies a higher FIFA ranking than 32nd
- Waldrum expresses surprise and disappointment on Twitter, while former player Yinka Kudaisi agrees the team deserves better recognition
Randy Waldrum, coach of the Super Falcons, believes his team should have been ranked higher in the latest FIFA rankings released by the world body on Friday.
Following their impressive performance at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they reached the round of 16 for the third time in the competition’s history, the nine-time African champions moved up eight places from 40th to 32nd.
Waldrum’s team defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2, ranked 10th, and earned draws against Olympic champions Canada, ranked seventh, and Ireland, ranked 21st, before losing on penalties to eventual finalists and European champions England, ranked third, in the round of 16.
Following their outstanding performance at the World Cup, the 66-year-old believes the Falcons should be ranked among the top 20 women’s teams.
Absolutely, we should be much higher after getting out of the group of death, not losing any game in 90 minutes, draw against defending Olympic Gold medalist (ranked 7), defeating host nation (ranked 10), draw against Ireland (ranked 21), and draw against European Champions England (ranked 3), we should at least be in the top 20,” Waldrum, who also coaches the Pittsburgh Panthers women’s team in the US.
Waldrum also expressed his disappointment on Twitter, writing, “Must say I am a little surprised at this to say the least…not in a good way!”
Former Falcons defender Yinka Kudaisi said the team deserved a higher ranking in response to the team’s rise in the latest ranking.
Kudaisi was capped 17 times and competed in the Women’s World Cup, WAFCON, and Olympic Games.
I think I will agree with Waldrum on this issue, the Falcons deserve to be ranked better than the 32nd position they currently occupy, she told SUNDAY PUNCH.
Personally, I didn’t expect the kind of performance they produced at the World Cup. They proved themselves and shamed critics who never gave them a chance.
Meanwhile, Waldrum, whose contract expires October 32, says he will love to continue as the Falcons coach.
I am proud of my team,” Waldrum told journalist Osasu Obayuwana.
I want to stay with this team and continue working towards the Olympics (Paris 2024). But that is not a matter for me to decide.