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Tag: Desire Oparanozie

  • FIFA Women WC: Oparanozie close to full fitness as Aussie captain Kerr still uncertain

    FIFA Women WC: Oparanozie close to full fitness as Aussie captain Kerr still uncertain

    Nigeria’s power forward Desire Oparanozie could play some part in Thursday’s cracker with the co-hosts at the Lang Park, as she appears to have substantially recovered from the injury she copped on the last day of the final training camp in Gold Coast, days to the FIFA World Cup.

    She trained on her own, kicking the ball on the side of the pitch as the other 21 players were drilled by Waldrum and his assistants. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who saved a penalty taken by non-pareil Christine Sinclair and won the MVP award on the day, was allowed off perhaps to relax her nerves.

    The China-based star could play some part in Thursday’s game, with the need to get goals and the knock to Asisat Oshoala.

    The technical crew also have the versatile Jennifer Echegini on the roster, as well as Uchenna Kanu.

    Meanwhile, Australia captain Sam Kerr is still doubtful for the clash as she continues to nurse the injury that ruled her out of the first game against the Irish.

  • Int’l Friendly: Ebi, Oparanozie score as Super Falcons thrash New Zealand 3-0

    Int’l Friendly: Ebi, Oparanozie score as Super Falcons thrash New Zealand 3-0

    Nigeria’s super Falcons defeated their New Zealander Counterpart by 3-0 in a friendly encounter in preparation for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand  few weeks time.

    Captain Onone Ebi, Jennifer Echegini and Desire Oparanozie were all on target as the Super Falcons extended their winning run to three games.

    Initially, both teams flexed  muscled with attacking and counter-attacking moves to the admiration of the spectators.

    However, the Nigerian ladies had the last laugh.

    The first chance of the game, however, fell to Nigeria but Esther Okoronkwo failed to direct Asisat Oshoala’s cross from a free-kick on target.

    Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a superb save to deny the Ferns on 20 minutes.

    Rasheed Ajibade nearly gave the Super Falcons the lead a minute later but she shot wide from inside the box.

    The Ferns were unrelenting with their attacking play and Echegini made a last-ditch tackle to deny them two minutes before the half-hour mark.

    The Super Falcons responded with Oshoala having a goal-bound effort deflected for a corner on 32 minutes.

    The breakthrough came a minute later with Ebi nodding home Toni Payne’s cross.

    The Super Falcons maintained the lead for the remainder of the first half.

    Echegini tapped home the second goal four minutes after the break.

    Randy Waldrum’s side took total control of the game afterwards passing the ball around with confidence.

    Substitute Oparanozie completed the rout by netting the third deep into stoppage time.

  • Positive vibes, confidence in Super Falcons’ Antalya camp ahead Haiti, New Zealand games

    Positive vibes, confidence in Super Falcons’ Antalya camp ahead Haiti, New Zealand games

    Star forwards Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie have arrived in the camp of Nigeria’s senior women national team, Super Falcons ahead of two friendly matches in the Turkish city of Antalya.

    Serial award-winner Oshoala has not played for the nine-time African champions since the Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco nine months ago, while barnstorming forward Oparanozie is linking up with the squad for the first time since the Aisha Buhari Cup Tournament in Lagos in September 2021.

    The arrival of the two respected markswomen generated positive vibes at The Sense De Luxe Hotel camp of the Falcons, ahead of Friday’s clash with World Cup debutants Haiti at the Emir Sports Complex.

    Also in camp now are goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie, Inyene Etim and Yewande Balogun, defenders Onome Ebi, Glory Ogbonna, Tosin Demehin, Rofiat Imuran and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Regina Otu, Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Gift Monday, Rasheedat Ajibade and new invitee Vivian Ikechukwu.

    Only defender Michelle Alozie and forwards Jennifer Echegini and Uchenna Kanu, all based in the United States of America, were still being expected as of Wednesday evening.

    The Super Falcons have snatched back their winning mentality following the defeat of World Cup-bound Costa Rica at the Revelation Cup Tournament in Mexico City in February, and will be in great mood for Friday’s clash with the Haitians.

    World Cup co-hosts New Zealand will be next in line for the Falcons’ fire on Tuesday, at the Mardan Sports Complex also in Antalya.

  • Super Falcons deserve same pay as Super Eagles – Oparanozie

    Desire Oparanozie believes the Nigeria women’s team deserve to receive the same pay as the country’s male side.
    Oparanozie, who captained the Super Falcons to a Round of 16 finish at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup, made the comment at the 2019 Ladies In Sports Conference in Lagos.
    In 2018, Thomas Dennerby’s side piped South Africa to win their ninth African Women’s Cup of Nations crown in Ghana, making them the African team with the most titles.
    In spite of the team’s successes, they only received US$3,000 as winning bonus and $1,500 for a draw at international outings, compared to the men’s team getting $10,000 and $5,000 for the same achievements.
    “We are the most successful female team in Africa, yet we have the largest disparities between men’s and women’s pay,” noted Oparanozie.
    “I think we deserve equal pay. This big gap tells a different story and a proper rethink of this mode of payment could also help the women’s game.
    “We have done the nation proud and I think the results over the years are there for all to see.
    “With positive results and more success, I believe we will get there, it’s one step at a time.”
    Oparanozie will hope for a positive response from the Nigeria Football Federation when the Super Falcons gather for next month’s African Women’s 2020 Olympic qualifier against Algeria.