Former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie has advised Nigeria’s technical crew to recall experienced players ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The ex-international expressed concern about the squad’s recent composition for the friendly against Cameroon, warning that relying too heavily on untested players could backfire in a tournament setting.
Oparanozie, who has been part of multiple WAFCON-winning teams, acknowledged the value of integrating fresh talent but believes experience must not be sacrificed in the process. “I don’t think they will take everybody from this team because these are just new entrants. They don’t have the experience and a lot of them haven’t really had time to be around the team for so long,” she said.
She added that heading into a major continental tournament with a largely inexperienced squad would be “disastrous.” According to her, Nigeria’s strength has always been a blend of veteran leadership and emerging potential, and the Super Falcons cannot afford to abandon that formula now.
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Her remarks come as expectations mount on Nigeria to reclaim the WAFCON title after losing it to South Africa in the previous edition, also hosted by Morocco.
Editorial
Desire Oparanozie’s voice carries weight not just because of what she’s achieved in a Super Falcons jersey, but because of her keen understanding of tournament dynamics. In calling for a more balanced squad selection ahead of WAFCON, she’s tapping into a truth Nigeria cannot afford to ignore: experience wins championships.
While the excitement surrounding the inclusion of young, hungry players is valid especially after the recent international friendlies big tournaments are a different battlefield. They’re built on high pressure moments, on decision-making in the 89th minute, on knowing how to close out a tight game. These are traits honed over time, not in a few caps or training camps.
Nigeria’s strength has always been the ability to fuse old and new. Think of how legends like Perpetua Nkwocha mentored the likes of Asisat Oshoala. That transition was not accidental it was strategic. Now more than ever, with Nigeria eyeing continental redemption, the same approach is required.
We believe the coaching crew must not be swayed by form alone. The Super Falcons need leaders who’ve seen it all players who can offer guidance in the dressing room as much as grit on the pitch. That doesn’t mean shutting the door on fresh faces, but it does mean anchoring the team with experience.
WAFCON is not a talent expo it’s a battle for continental supremacy. If Nigeria wants to reclaim its throne, it must call on all its queens young and old alike.
Did You Know?
- Desire Oparanozie captained Nigeria to the WAFCON title in 2018 and has scored in multiple editions of the tournament.
- The Super Falcons have won 11 of the 14 WAFCON tournaments since its inception in 1991.
- Nigeria lost the WAFCON 2022 semi-final to hosts Morocco on penalties after two red cards reduced the team to nine players.
- Asisat Oshoala made her Super Falcons debut at the age of 19, alongside veterans like Ngozi Okobi and Onome Ebi.
- Morocco will be the first nation to host back-to-back editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
