Ngozi Okobi denies criticism of coach Waldrum after World Cup snub

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 01/07/2023

Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi has distanced herself from rumours circulating about her criticism of coach Randy Waldrum.

This comes days after Okobi was overlooked from the list of 23 Nigerian players going to the FIFA Women’s World Cup later in July.

Ngozi Okobi has won four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with the Super Falcons of Nigeria (Image: Damilare Daniel)

ALSO READ: Okobi out, Oshoala in as Waldrum names 23 Super Falcons for FIFA Women’s World Cup

As expected, her exclusion from the World Cup contingent has generated a lot of debate among football fans in Nigeria.

Over the years, the creative player has proven to be the best box-to-box midfielder in the Super Falcons’ ranks. No doubt her exclusion has greeted many Nigerians with disappointment.

However, reports in some media publications indicated Okobi’s attack on Waldrum. One of such reports had its headline tagged: “Nigerian coaches far better than Waldrum – Okobi.”

In 2021, Ngozi Okobi was named in the IFFHS CAF Woman Team of the Decade (2011–2020). Other Nigerian players named alongside her are Asisat Oshoala, Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale. [Image: Ngozi Okobi via Instagram]

Another media outlet informed the general public about Okobi’s criticism of Waldrum over “lack of preparation and support.”

What she said

Debunking these vehemently, Okobi tweeted on Friday that on no occasion did she “issue or make such statements.”

She stated that “it is simply the works of peddlers of FAKE News and FALSEHOOD, who profit from misinformation to gain attention.”

The 29-year-old has been a key part of the Super Falcons, developing a brilliant understanding with midfield partner Halimatu Ayinde.

Before joining Levante earlier this year, Okobi was also teammate with Ayinde at Swedish club Eskilstuna United.

Okobi featured for Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) side Delta Queens between 2010-2015. She left the country in 2015 to join Washington Spirit in the United States [Image: Bethel Kalu]

Okobi also tweeted: “I have not and will not make any public statements on the Women’s World Cup squad team, until a final decision, which is irreversible, has been taken. In the light of the above, I advice whoever peddling such falsehood to desist or be ready to face legal actions.”