Super Falcons star Francesca Ordega has dismissed rumors that coach Randy Waldrum is being pressured to include her in Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Ordega has been a mainstay for the Super Falcons since her debut in 2010, having played in four World Cups; in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
However, as the CSKA Moscow star approaches the latter stages of her career, many Nigerian fans believe it’s time for younger players to step in.
With the Olympics approaching, there have been claims that the Nigeria Football Federation is attempting to compel coach Waldrum to include her in the team.
On Monday, the 30-year-old forward refuted these claims, stating that coach Waldrum also denied the reports.
“I was surprised by the news and had to call the coach on Sunday to verify the report,” Ordega told NigeriaFootball.ng. “I respect him a lot and felt slighted by such allegations in the media. He said he was not aware of that and never had such talks with anyone.
He also said the media were just trying to be mischievous as he never spoke to anyone about it.
“I even asked if he really did not want me on his team, he should just say it, so I can focus on my club career. It is very embarrassing to hear I am being imposed on a coach after all the sacrifices and hard work to make the country proud.”
Coach Waldrum has yet to release his final list for the Olympics, but Ordega has a strong chance of making the squad due to her experience.
