Julius OkorieSuper Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum, resigned his appointment Friday, September 13, 2024.
The 67 year old American tactician, who took over the team in 2020 after initially turning it down, stepped in after Swede Coach, Thomas Dennerby, had a head-on collision with NFF over what he dubbed unwarranted interference simply walked out of the team.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRandy’s era was a rather quiet and easy going one. Not much of the usual squabbles between coaches and perennial ‘culprits’ NFF were heard during his tenure.
Could it be that the romance was all jolly ride or was it that the former Houston Dash coach, where he also coached Super Eagles beauty plus brain defender, Mitchell Alozie, just chose not to get on the way of anybody. Or better still did he decide to adopt the ‘Ba Komi’ approach perhaps after hearing in the usual “Naija dey owe coaches oo” sing song?
More facts are bound to emerge, even though the coach has given reasons why he had to quit, citing the health challenge of his beautiful and lovely wife, Madam Dianna with whom she has a son Ben Waldrum, who incidentally is assistant coach to his father for the Pittsburgh Panthers.
There is this debatable submission that those who don’t talk too much, write too much.
Waldrum dished out what looked like one of the longest letters following his resignation. He had something to say for everyone and indication that he was indeed a gentleman coach.
READ ALSO:Randy Waldrum Tasks NFF Over New Coach, Quits Super Falcons Job
Here are 10 people that got resounding ovation from Gentleman Randy and what he wrote about them courtesy of his long letter:
- Aisha Falode: She understands the required approach to football, the professionalism that is required and the support and resources that are necessary to be successful, not only in Africa but the world Stage.
- Kyle Quigley: – (My right hand assistant) Only a few of us know the true difficulties we faced, but you stayed on, giving up you time to help me and this team. One day the story will come out, and people will be amazed at how much we accomplished.
- Eboboritse Uwejamomere: -Video Analyst. Wish we had you at the World Cup. You do a good job with your analysis and I appreciate your work ethics and professionalism as well. You have a bright future ahead of you and the NFF should utilise your talents as much as possible.
- Lauren Cregg: I cannot thank you enough. Despite all the turmoil, you still worked tirelessly behind the scenes, analysing video and preparing analysis for us. I couldn’t have gotten through the World Cup without your work. You spent your own money, you travelled at your own expense, and you gave up your time and consulting business to help these girls and myself.
Michell Alozie also coached by Randy Waldrum at Houston Dash - NFF and My Son Ben: Who help behind the scenes in so many ways.
- Tobex: who has always had my back regardless of what was being said about our staff and the team. Thank you to all the journalists who were always there to support our quest.
- The players: My biggest gratitude goes to the players. We have built a side that can compete with anyone in the world. You all have been so supportive, so diligent about your in difficult situations, and so professional in your approach to the national team.
I love you all, and appreciate so much what we accomplished together. You gave me memories of a life time!
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
