The African Champions are among the teams that will feature in the Turkish Women’s Cup, but there was no place for the captain in the squad list released on Thursday
Former Super Eagles manager, Sunday Oliseh has hit out at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the treatment of Super Falcons captain, Desire Oparanozie.
The Super Falcons squad for the Turkish Women’s Cup was released on Thursday, but the Dijon FCO striker was not included in the 23-person list.
Oparanozie’s omission comes after she led the team to a sit-down protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
NFF’s spokesman, Demola Olajire revealed her absence is not due to the role she played in the protest but the decision of the new coach, Randy Waldrum.
“Oparanozie is still part of the team’s plans, and her non-inclusion has nothing to do with that protest in France because she was not the only one involved,” Olajire told BBC.
“Selection of players is predominantly the prerogative of the coaches and not the NFF.
“She remains an important member of the women’s national side. I think she will just have to keep working on her game and, if she gets the opportunity, then push for a consistent selection.”
However, Oliseh has come out to defend the 27-year-old, saying it is an act of injustice on her. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder also hit out at Oparanozie’s teammate for not standing up for her.
Oliseh said on his Twitter account: When will this “non-compos mentis” end in our football! Once again, Injustice is dealt to a superb Captain fighting for the team by the Nigerian F.A & I cannot hear her teammates speaking out or fighting for her! A very good player at that! We keep shooting ourselves in the foot.
When will this "non-compos mentis" end in our football! Once again, Injustice is dealt to a superb Captain fighting for the team by the Nigerian F.A & I cannot hear her teammates speaking out or fighting for her! A very good player at that! We keep shooting ourselves in the foot. https://t.co/0kbj8oLlQl
— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) February 12, 2021
The Super Falcons team include Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala and Atletico Madrid’s new signing, Rasheedat Ajibade.
Francisca Ordega was also included while five players from the Nigeria Women Football League are also part of the squad.
