Super Falcons Coach Waldrum Tenders Apology To Nigerian Journalists Over Negative Comment

Super Falcons Coach Waldrum Tenders Apology To Nigerian Journalists Over Negative Comment

Nomso Obiajuru
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:06 PM
  • Randy Waldrum clarifies his statement on Nigeria media adding that he holds journalists in high esteem
  • The Super Falcons head coach mentioned something about the Nigerian media being ‘negative’ but has withdrawn the statement
  • Waldrum says Nigeria are determined not only to win a ticket to the FIFA World Cup but also to retain the WAFCON title

Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has tendered an apology to Nigerian journalists for his comments about the media in the country.

Recall that Waldrum had ripped apart the Nigerian media right after his side defeated Botswana 2-0 at the ongoing Africa Women Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Randy Waldrum watches his team from the sidelines
Randy Waldrum watches his team. Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos
Source: Getty Images

This came after Nigeria suffered a 2-1 loss to South Africa in their opening game of the tournament.

In his statement, Waldrum mentioned something about the Nigerian media being ‘negative’ but has withdrawn the statement after he was cautioned by the Nigeria Football Federation, Complete sports reports

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“The comments are regrettable and I withdraw them in entirety. Actually, I will say the statement did not come out the way I intended. I hold the media everywhere, including Nigeria, in high regard and I only wish they could be a little more empathetic to us when we lose or draw matches.
“I know Nigerians love their football teams and want the teams to win all the time. They can still be supportive while criticizing us in a constructive way. The truth is that I am keen that nothing distracts the team at this point. I apologize for the way it has come out and the fact that I have hurt a critical sector of Nigeria society.
“We know what the Women Africa Cup means to Nigerians and we remain fully focused despite the opening-day setback. We are determined not only to win a ticket to the FIFA World Cup but also to retain the trophy that Nigeria has won nine times previously,” Waldrum told thenff.com.

The Super Falcons will take on Burundi in their final Group C game on Sunday, July 10.

Super Falcons Keeps 10th WAFCON Title Hopes Alive, Cruise Past Botswana

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Falcons returned to winning ways in their second Group C encounter at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Botswana.

Nigeria had lost their opening group game to South Africa and needed maximum points against the Mares, which they achieved in convincing style to keep their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals alive.

Onumonu gave Nigeria the lead in the 21st minute as the striker was able to get the ball past goalie Sedilame Boseja thanks to an assist from Halimatu Ayinde that split the defence.

The Super Falcons, who dominated the game with over 70 per cent possession, extended their lead in the second half when substitute Ucheibe rose above her markers to head home a well-taken corner kick by Toni Payne.

The results move Nigeria to second on the table in group C with 3 points from their opening two games and they next face Burundi on Sunday, June 10th, in their final group game.

Authors
Nomso Obiajuru photo
Nomso Obiajuru
Team Lead- Football
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NigeriaNigeria Football Federation (NFF)