Waldrum queries FIFA rankings, says Falcons deserve top 20 place

By Johnny Edward

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, believes his side should have been ranked higher in the latest FIFA rankings released on Friday by the world body, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The nine-time African champions moved up eight places from 40th to 32nd, 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 history of the competition.

Waldrum’s team defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2, ranked 10th, and earned draws against Olympic champions Canada who were ranked seventh and Ireland, ranked 21st, before losing to European champions and eventual finalists England, ranked third, on penalties in the round of 16.

Speaking with SUNDAY PUNCH, the 66-year-old believes the Falcons should be ranked among the top 20 women’s teams in the wake of their outstanding display at the World Cup.

“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, told PUNCH Sports Extra.

Waldrum also took to Twitter to express his disappointment, saying, “Must say I am a little surprised at this to say the least…not in a positive way!”

Also reacting to the Falcons rise in the latest ranking, the team’s former defender, Yinka Kudaisi, said the team deserved a better ranking.

Kudaisi capped 17 times, featured at the Women’s World Cup, WAFCON and the 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.”