The Super Falcons of Nigeria exceeded expectations at the Women’s World Cup tourney advancing from the group stage unbeaten
Super Falcons forward, Ngozi Okobi, has voiced her frustration with certain Nigerian journalists who she believes have exacerbated her situation after being dropped from Randy Waldrum’s squad, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old was omitted from the Super Falcons Women's World Cup squad, a decision that she openly criticized through the media, expressing her dissatisfaction with the choice made by the American coach.
During her absence, the Super Falcons exceeded the expectations of Nigerian football fans by remaining unbeaten in the tournament's group stage, holding England's Lionesses to a goalless draw in the initial 90 minutes until a penalty shootout determined the outcome, with England winning 4-2.
Tony Payne, in place of Okobi, played a pivotal role as the primary creative force for Waldrum's team.
“Toni Payne did her best. I commended her effort a lot and I wrote, I told her, girl, you did great.
“She tried her best, but she's not up to that standard yet. She's a very good player and with time, she'll get there. That's one thing I know.” Ngozi Okobi, earlier said.… pic.twitter.com/vZY7WhieDX
— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) August 22, 2023
After the World Cup, Okobi, through an X space observed by Soccernet.ng, openly applauded Payne's efforts but also implied that she believes she could have performed better.
Okobi's complaints have taken various forms both before and after the tournament. However, the situation seems to have reached its peak as she lashes out at the media for distorting her statements.
“Why do you journalists always escalate things like this? Isn't it enough from what Okobi said about Tony Payne? You all know it wasn't what I meant. Probably a wrong choice of words saying ‘SHE IS NOT THERE YET,' while you know very well I praised her effort even,” she wrote on her Twitter page.
Expressing her frustration further, Okobi criticized certain journalists for blowing things out of proportion.
She added: “Writing to commend her, yet you all keep making it into one big story. Aren't you tired of all this? You keep writing and writing. This is almost pushing me to depression, seeing the kind of comments from Nigerians.”
Continuing, she revealed that much has transpired during the recently concluded tournament and expressed her desire to have a break from media attention.
“After several days, you still went ahead to bring it up again? A lot has happened to me during this World Cup. Can you journalists let me breathe? Or do you want to start posting ‘RIP' due to the damage you all have caused? God… I hate Nigeria media,” she concluded.
While Okobi's intention was to voice her disappointment at not being selected, it's important to acknowledge the contribution of Coach Waldrum and the team he assembled.
