Ex Super Falcons striker and former captain, Oparanozie Desire, has thrown her weight behind Nigeria’s chances of clinching their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) crown, if they can navigate past a familiar and formidable rival, South Africa, in Tuesday’s semi-final clash.
The exceptional forward, who had a decorated international career with the Nigerian women’s national team, believes Banyana Banyana pose the biggest obstacle to the Super Falcons’ title ambitions.
“Nigeria’s biggest threat is Banyana Banyana, who are the defending champions,” Oparanozie said during an interview with Showmax Premier League. “Once Nigeria can get past them, the WAFCON is as good as won by the Super Falcons.”
Her remarks come after Nigeria’s resounding 5-0 demolition of Zambia in the quarter-finals, a result that firmly re-established their dominance on the continent and set up what many are calling the final before the final.
Reflecting on that performance, Oparanozie couldn’t hide her excitement. “I was super excited and proud. It was a stellar performance from the team,” she said.
Despite the quarter-final triumph, the former forward admitted she had concerns earlier in the tournament when Nigeria seemed to lack sharpness in front of goal. “I was a bit worried during the group stage. Though they finished top of their group, they struggled to convert goal-scoring opportunities. Perhaps they were saving it for Zambia!” she added with a smile.
She went on to commend the team’s unity, crediting their collective spirit as a major reason for their success so far. “They have all been great. Every one of them has shown up as a team, an effective team; they’ve all been very brilliant on the field,” Desiree said.
Beyond the current tournament, the ex-international highlighted how much progress African women’s football has made in recent years, noting significant strides in development and competitiveness.
“Women’s football has improved a great deal in the past decade in terms of the prize money increment, organisation, educational programmes, number of WAFCON participating teams (from eight to 12), etc.,” she Desire.
Related News: http://Onome endorses ‘Onyibo defender’ as her defense successor for Falcons
She also pointed to Nigeria’s fourth-place finish in the last edition and South Africa’s historic win as proof that other nations are quickly closing the gap. “Having South Africa win it for the first time shows just how much progress other teams have made and how much African football has grown and will continue to grow,” she added.
All eyes will be on Tuesday’s titanic encounter as Nigeria looks to reach another final, to add yet another WAFCON title to their illustrious history. For South Africa, the goal is to defend their crown and prove their rise was no fluke.
Her opinion is valid; irrespective, the team must be aware that the toughest teams during competition do not always pose the greatest threat. The emergence of Chelsea as World Champions is a case study as they beat a PSG side who beaten bigger teams effortlessly, only to be humbled in the final.
The game will be broadcast live on SuperSports 4, with fans from across the continent bracing for what promises to be one of the standout game of the tournament.
