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The Nigerian coaches who assisted Waldrum at the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup in Australia/New Zealand, Justin Madugu and Ann Chiejine took charge of the Super Falcons training sessions on Monday and Tuesday as Waldrum opted to stay away from the team over an undone contract extension with the NFF.
An NFF source told Completesports.com that the American coach who is also the Head Coach of Pittsburgh Panthers the University of Pittsburgh womens soccer team will not honour the two legs of the Super Falcons 2024 Olympics Games qualifying matches against Ethiopia because of other engagements in the USA.
Super Falcons train in Addis Ababa
Waldrum, the source divulged on condition of anonymity, will be leading his team, Pittsburgh Panthers, in a playoff game on Thursday, October 26.
Also Read Paris 2024: Ajakaye Excited By Super Falcons Invitation Ahead Ethiopia Clash
Perhaps he considered that more important than Super Falcons and he prioritised the universitys playoff to leading Nigeria to the Olympics, our source stated.
When contacted, the Nigeria Football Federation Director of Media and Communication, Ademola Olajire stated that Waldrum chose not to honour the upcoming Super Falcons matches until his contract situation is sorted out with the NFF.
Waldrum will not be in Addis Ababa for the match against Ethiopia. His Nigerian assistants will in his absence take charge of the matches, that is the two legs of the qualifiers, Olajire told Completesports.com on Tuesday night.
I think Waldrum decided to stay away from the two legs of the qualifiers until his contract situation is sorted out with the NFF.
Meanwhile, France-based goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade and forward Asisat Oshoala were among 19 players of the Super Falcons available for Tuesday afternoons official training session ahead of their Paris 2024 Womens Football Tournament qualifying Second Round, first leg clash with Ethiopias Lucy in Addis Ababa.
Also Read 2024 Olympics Qualifiers: Ayinde Disappointed To Miss Super Falcons Vs Ethiopia
Also available for the session at the Abebe Bekila Stadium in the heart of Ethiopias capital were goalkeepers Tochukwu Oluehi and Monle Oyono, defenders Rofiat Imuran, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, Akudo Ogbonna, Jumoke Alani and Comfort Folorunsho, as well as midfielders Esther Onyenezide, Toni Payne and Peace Efih, and forwards Uchenna Kanu, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide and Opeyemi Ajakaye.
Only US-based forward, Ifeoma Onumonu was being expected in Addis Ababa on Tuesday night.
Wednesdays encounter at the Abebe Bekila Stadium will kick off at 3.30pm Ethiopia time 1.30pm Nigeria time.
The second leg has been scheduled for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Tuesday, 31st October 2023.
The winner, on aggregate, will confront the winner of the Cameroon/ Uganda fixture for a place in the Final Round of the qualification series.
The 2024 Olympic Games will be held from 26th July to 11th August 2024 in Paris and 16 other French cities, as well as Tahiti the overseas collectivity of France.
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
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