World Cup: Oparanozie’s experience will help Super Falcons’

Super Falcons forward, Esther Okoronkwo, has stated that having Desire Oparanozie back in the team is a morale booster.

Oparanozie is one of the deadliest strikers that has come out of Nigeria. She alongside Asisat Oshoala delivered the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Women Africa Cup of Nations titles for Nigeria.

However, she has not played for the Super Falcons since 2021. She was frozen out of the team and even missed out on the squad that finished fourth at the last WAFCON in Morocco.

However, Oparanozie was called up for Nigeria’s World Cup preparatory games against Haiti and New Zealand in Turkey.

The 29-year-old striker led the frontline alongside Asisat Oshoala, and she looked very lively.

Okoronkwo, who made her debut for Nigeria in 2021 is happy that Oparanozie is back in the team alongside Barcelona star Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade.

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“We’ve always wanted to be together as a team, get all Oparanozie, Oshoala, and Ajibade in the team at the same time, but it has never worked out just because it’s either one is injured or there could be a situation,” Okoronkwo said per NFF TV.

“But we have been able to come together and play together as a team in this camp. In preparing for the World Cup, you need all the players.

“Having them here is really good. It has helped a lot. I look forward to playing with them and winning with them.”

The Super Falcons play New Zealand on Tuesday, and coach Randy Waldrum would look to use the Oparanozie-Oshoala partnership again. Hopefully, both of them can strike a strong partnership before the World Cup starts in July.