Super Falcons Coach Randy Waldrum Disappointed by Absence of Key Players for 2024 Olympics

Randy Waldrum, the head coach of the Super Falcons, has expressed disappointment over the absence of experienced players Ashleigh Plumptre and Rasheedat Ajibade from the squad for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Plumptre was left out of the squad due to an ongoing injury sustained earlier in the year while playing for her club. Similarly, defensive midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was initially selected but had to be replaced after suffering an injury at her Swedish club, Rosengard.

Waldrum acknowledged the significant loss of these two players to the team, describing them as world-class athletes whose absence poses a challenge. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about the potential of other players to step up and fill the void.

“In losing Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde, we are missing two top-class players, which is tough for any team,” Waldrum stated in an interview with NFF TV. “However, we have always emphasized to our players the importance of stepping up when called upon. We have already seen this with Chidinma Okeke performing admirably at left-back in place of Plumptre during matches against Cameroon and South Africa.”

Waldrum’s comments reflect both his disappointment and confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and perform despite the absence of key players.