Oparanozie: Super Falcons Need Veterans for WAFCON Success
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.
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.
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.
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.