Ex-Wolfsburg star names two things Super Falcons need after World Cup failure

Former Nigeria international Desire Oparanozie says the Super Falcons need two major changes after their failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

Oparanozie believes Nigeria must bring in fresh young players and appoint a qualified coach to guide the team through the next reset.

The Super Falcons lost 2-1 to South Africa in their World Cup play-in tie in Morocco on Thursday. The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of playing at next year’s World Cup in Brazil. It also brought an unwanted end to one of the strongest records in women’s football, as Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the first time since making their debut in 1991.

South Africa took control after half-time. Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Refiloe Jane made it 2-0 in the 77th minute.

Christy Ucheibe pulled one goal back from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but Nigeria could not find another goal before the final whistle.

Oparanozie, who played for VfL Wolfsburg and was part of the German club’s UEFA Women’s Champions League-winning squad, said the Falcons did not start the match with enough urgency.

“It was a disappointing result for the Super Falcons,” Oparanozie said on Brila FM as per NaijaNews.

“The South Africans put up a good game for 90 minutes, I wished the Super Falcons players started the game the way they ended it because it was evident that they only react to situations.

“Moving forward I think right now the team needs fresh young players and also the team needs a qualified guardian.”

Super Falcons: Oparanozie wants a new generation and stronger coaching

Oparanozie’s call for young players comes after a difficult WAFCON campaign that…