Deborah Abiodun 2.0: Ex-Super Falcons boss Waldrum set to nurture four Nigerian talents at Pittsburgh

Former Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has once again demonstrated his enduring commitment to Nigerian women’s football, Soccernet.ng reports.

Waldrum continues to use his role as technical director of the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team to offer new opportunities to emerging Nigerian talents.

The veteran tactician, who led Nigeria’s women’s national team to the 2023 World Cup, 2024 Olympics, and a WAFCON semi-final berth during his four-year stint, stepped down last year to focus full-time on his position with the Pittsburgh Panthers – a role he has held since 2018.

Among Waldrum’s most notable contributions while with Nigeria was facilitating the move of midfielder Deborah Abiodun to Pitt. Abiodun quickly made her mark, earning All-ACC honours in consecutive seasons before landing a professional contract with NWSL side Washington Spirit.

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Now, Waldrum is looking to replicate that success as Pittsburgh Panthers have confirmed the arrival of four Nigerian players to the squad. They include returning midfielder Celine Ottah (Aba), and three promising newcomers – Adoo Philomina Yina (Makurdi), Hannah Yusuf (Igarra), and Okah Adaobi Judith (Ebonyi).

Yina, 20, already boasts international experience, having made her Super Falcons debut in a 2-1 friendly loss to France in November 2024. The former Nasarawa Amazons player has also represented Nigeria at youth level.

Okah, a product of Rivers Angels and previously a standout at Remo Stars, has emerged as one of the country’s brightest prospects.

Known for her attacking flair and composure in front of goal, she played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the 2023 African Games. Her semi-final strike against Uganda helped the Falconets secure a 2-0 win and passage to the final against hosts Ghana.

Yusuf, another forward talent, arrives from Confluence Queens, adding further depth to an increasingly Nigerian-influenced Pitt squad.

With Waldrum’s guidance, all four players will be hoping to follow Abiodun’s footsteps and carve out successful football careers from Pittsburgh.