By Akinwale Kasali
The atmosphere in the Super Falcons camp in Abuja is tense.
Chinese based duo of Desire Oparanozie and Chinwendu Ihezuo have been dropped by Coach Randy Waldrum from the African Women Cup of Nations tournament in Moroccco, scheduled to hold between July 2-July 24, 2022.
The dropping of the two came as surprise to followers of Female Football in the country, but the array of stars at the disposal of Coach Waldrum could be said to be the reason, as better players are in the fold.
The news of the dropping of the two players was revealed in a tweet on the official handle of the Super Falcons.
Oparanoize who was one of the nine forwards called up by Waldrum for the tournament in Morocco was replaced in the squad by Anam Imo while Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene was drafted in for Chinwendu Ihezuo.
“Just In: Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has been called up to replace Chinwendu Ihezuo and Anam Imo will replace Desire Oparanozie,” the tweet revealed.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons’ captain, Onome Ebi has declared that the nine-time African champions are fully focused on the twin objectives of winning a ticket to the 2023 Women’s World Cup finals and retaining their Women Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco next month.
“We are aware of the intense competition that is going to play out there in Morocco. We have no illusions. Women’s football has continued to grow in a lot of other African nations, faster than anyone can imagine. So, there will be nothing like under-rating any team. All the teams will be upbeat about their chances and winning tickets to the World Cup.
“On our part, as defending champions, we know our strengths. We know what we have to bring to the pitch to conquer. The wise thing always is to take it one match at a time. We go up first against the Banyana, and then we have to face the challenges of Botswana and Burundi then the next stage. World Cup ticket is paramount, but we also want to retain our trophy.”
They will take on South Africa, Botswana and Burundi in the group stages in Morocco.
The Cup-holders go up against the Banyana Banyana in their first match at the Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on July 4 before their fixtures against Botswana on July 7 and Burundi on July 10 at the same venue.
Nigeria has won nine of the 11 championships contested so far, done every other year since 1998, save for the 2020 edition that was obliterated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The semi-finalists in Morocco automatically qualify to represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Onome Ebi, Rita Chikwelu, Osinachi Ohale, Tochukwu Oluehi, Glory Ogbonna, Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Chidinma Okeke, Rita Akarekor, Gift Monday, Opeyemi Sunday, Charity Adule, Christy Ucheibe, Suliat Abideen, Chinonyerem Macleans, Peace Efih, Ugochi Emenayo, Akudo Ogbonna
Others are; Yewande Balogun, Toni Oyedupe Payne, Michelle Alozie, Amanda Uju Mbadi
Nicole Payne, Uchenna Kanu and Regina Otu.
However, Ashleigh Plumptre, Francisca Ordega, Vivian Ikechukwu, Halimatu Ayinde and Ifeoma Onumonu are expected to join the team in Morocco.
More players are expected to be dropped from the squad in the coming days, as Coach Waldrum is expected to name a 23-Man Squad for the Continental showpiece.
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