Latest news with #DesireOparanozie
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
NFF 'needs to do better' for Super Falcons
Former Nigeria forward Desire Oparanozie says the country's football federation (NFF) has "not done enough" to ensure its women's team remain ahead of their competition in Super Falcons opened their bid for a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title with a 3-0 win over Tunisia on lifted the trophy four times, including the most recent triumph in 2018, and thinks other countries have gained ground on the West Africans."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," Oparanozie told Newsday on the BBC World Service."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." Oparanozie, who had spells with clubs across Europe and in China, sees plenty of areas where the NFF can improve."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," the 31-year-old said."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." Super Falcons encouraged by 'Mission X' Despite flagging those issues, Oparanozie described Nigeria's performance against Tunisia in Casablanca as "dominant", although she also said the team were "very wasteful" in front of finishing fourth at the last edition of the finals in 2022, the NFF has branded the campaign to win the Wafcon title in Morocco as 'Mission X'.Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says the focus on returning home with the trophy has helped foster a strong team spirit."They say there's power in the spoken word and the federation brought up this logo, Mission X, just to encourage us," said the 24-year-old, who recently signed for Brighton & Hove Albion Women in England."There are so many countries here competing for the same trophy and for them to tag that Mission X means they believe in us."Of course every team wants to stop Nigeria, but we do everything in our power to always be who we are."We know people want to be in our position and we know people want to take us down, but that's life. We always try as much as we can to keep up the good spirit."
CAF
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Women's AFCON: Esther Okoronkwo in super-sub mode
This is what you call making an entrance. At the break, Nigeria led Tunisia 2-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca but had yet to fully convince. The score flattered them; control was patchy. Asisat Oshoala — a goal scorer but still lacking rhythm — stayed in the locker room for the second half. Coach Justin Madugu brought on Esther Okoronkwo, a change that, quietly but decisively, shifted the momentum of the match. In just 45 minutes, the 27-year-old striker lit up her flank. Powerful, mobile, constantly moving between the lines, she stretched the Tunisian defence, opened spaces, drew fouls, and delivered a perfect assist to Chinwendu Ihezuo for Nigeria's third goal in the 84th minute. She may not have scored, but she gave the Nigerian attack its bite. "It doesn't matter where I start — what matters is the impact I have on the game," she said in the mixed zone, smiling broadly in a soaked shirt, her eyes still shining with adrenaline. An atypical profile, maximum efficiency From her very first touch, Okoronkwo imposed a new tempo. She dropped deep, linked play, and kept things simple. She gave the team breathing space and forced Tunisia to reorganize defensively. In the 73rd minute, she was the architect of another major chance: a driving run down the left, a pinpoint cut-back, and Uchenna Kanu finished without hesitation. "That's what I expect from her," Madugu said at the post-match press conference. "She doesn't need to score to be important. She reads the game well, anticipates the right movements, and creates opportunities." Statistically, her impact was clear. In one half, she touched the ball 24 times, completed 88% of her passes, won three fouls, created two clear chances, and recorded an assist. Her energetic display was in stark contrast to Oshoala's more static presence, despite the latter's goal. "What I like about Esther is her adaptability. She can play as a lone striker, out wide, or in a supporting role. She never complains, she works hard, and when she comes on, she always makes an impact," said Super Falcons veteran Ngozi Okobi. Proof of her influence? She walked away with the TotalEnergies Player of the Match trophy — a rare honor for a substitute, and one that was thoroughly deserved. On Sunday evening, there was no debate. Desire Oparanozie's view: "She changed the game" Watching from the stands, former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie didn't miss a moment of Okoronkwo's performance — and was full of praise. "For me, she was the woman of the match. When she came on, we went from a disjointed front three to a real collective. She drops deep, she takes on defenders, she creates space for others. She changed the game — and didn't even need to score." The former Guingamp player, well-versed in the centre-forward role, highlighted one key detail: her movement off the ball. "Her runs between the lines were damaging. She pulled two defenders with her, which opened space for Ijamilusi and Ihezuo. You might not see it clearly on TV, but on the pitch, it's obvious." With performances like this, Esther Okoronkwo might soon disrupt the pecking order. And if she keeps starting on the bench, it might simply be because no one knows how to come off it better.
CAF
18-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
WAFCON: D-17: Cameroon, the Eternal Outsider
Published: Wednesday, 18 June 2025 The countdown continues as we edge closer to the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. In the build-up to the 13th edition of this iconic tournament, looks back at the defining moments of the competition. Today's spotlight is on Cameroon, one of the historical cornerstones of the Women's AFCON. Finalists in 2004, and 2014 and 2016, the Indomitable Lionesses have consistently made their mark on the biggest stages, blending power, passion, and commitment. Just 17 days to go until the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations. A major force in African women's football, Cameroon will be conspicuously absent this year. It's a shocking omission for a team that has reached the final three times (2004, 2014, and 2016). Cameroon's history in the Women's AFCON is marked by epic battles, often against Nigeria, their long-time nemesis. In 2004, in Johannesburg, they reached the final but fell to the Super Falcons in a heavy 5-0 defeat. But the deepest scar remains 2016. On home soil, in a packed Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Cameroon pushed Nigeria to the edge. But in the 84th minute, Desire Oparanozie struck the decisive blow, breaking Yaoundé's heart and delivering a new title to Nigeria. 'We'll never forget that match. We gave everything for our fans,' recalls Christine Manie, then team captain. Today, a new generation is rising, led by talents like Naomi Eto and Monique Ngock, determined to write their own story. With experienced pillars such as Ajara Nchout Njoya and Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné providing guidance, the Cameroonian team is eager to bounce back. 'The future belongs to those who keep believing,' says Mireille Tchengang. They may have missed the 2024 tournament, but the promise of a stronger comeback remains unshaken. One thing is certain: the Lionesses will roar again.
