Former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie is less than pleased with how the Nigerian Football Federation have handled the affairs of the nation’s women’s team over the years, Footynaija.com reports.
In the past, the Super Falcons were an untouchable force in African women’s football. Their record of nine continental triumphs, seven more than any other nation, shows just how dominant the giants of Africa have been.
Sadly, the current crop of Falcons have struggled to maintain this huge reputation in recent years. During the last edition of the WAFCON, Nigeria struggled to a disappointing fourth place finish after suffering defeat at the hands of Zambia in the third place match.
For Oparanozie, who donned the Super Falcons jersey in that era of dominance and enjoyed four WAFCON triumphs, believes the blame for the current struggles of the women’s team lay with the governing body of Nigerian football.
Oparanozie cited the lack of development in the women’s game, which she believes is hampering the current crop of Falcons from successfully living up to their storied history.
What Desire Oparanozie said
“A lot of teams have invested so much in their women’s football – financial investment, facility investment – whatever it takes to make sure that you improve,” the 31-year-old said per BBC Sport.
“We can see that it’s getting to pay off, so no team is going to be a pushover. For Nigeria to get to that 10th title they have to put on a show to really get it. It’s no longer going to be a walk in the park.”
Explaining why Nigeria’s dominance has dwindled, she continued: “I think the governing body haven’t really done enough to actually make sure that the other African teams don’t catch up with the Nigerian team.
“They need to do better in every aspect. You can’t boast of any standard structure when it comes to the football field. Facility-wise, we are lacking in that area.
“In terms of pay, I’m a big advocate on equal pay for women’s football. And even if we can’t get equal pay, whatever is due to the players… if it’s peanuts, give it to them. You need to prioritise players’ health as well.”
Oparanozie’s time with the Super Falcons was trophy-laden with WAFCON triumphs in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018. She also clinched the Golden Boot at the 2014 edition.