Former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie has called for a major overhaul of the women’s national team following Nigeria’s historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons’ hopes of reaching the tournament in Brazil were ended on Thursday after a 2–1 defeat to South Africa in the crucial World Cup play-off in Casablanca. The result ended Nigeria’s record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
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Reacting to the defeat, Oparanozie criticised the team’s approach during the tournament, arguing that Nigeria too often waited until they were behind or under pressure before showing urgency.
She believes the Super Falcons need a fresh start, including the appointment of a more qualified coach and the gradual introduction of younger players.
“The team needs fresh legs and a qualified coach. We need to start bringing in younger players and build for the future.”
Oparanozie also questioned the team’s inability to impose itself on matches from the beginning, saying Nigeria’s tendency to respond only after falling behind ultimately proved costly.
Against South Africa, Nigeria struggled to create a decisive attacking rhythm before Thembi Kgatlana gave Banyana Banyana the lead in the 56th minute. Refiloe Jane then doubled South Africa’s advantage before Christy Ucheibe pulled one back from the penalty spot late in the game.
The former striker described the outcome as particularly disappointing because the World Cup was a major priority for the team.
Oparanozie’s call for younger players comes as Nigeria faces the need to rebuild following a WAFCON campaign in which the defending champions failed to reach the semi-finals before subsequently losing their World Cup play-off.
Nigeria remains Africa’s most successful women’s national team, having won a record 10 WAFCON titles, but the historic World Cup failure has intensified calls for changes in the team’s technical direction and player development.
The former captain believes the setback should therefore lead to a new technical approach, fresh personnel and a deliberate transition toward the next generation of Super Falcons players.
