Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze has questioned the rationale behind the exclusion of Super Falcons star, Desire Oparanozie from the list of 23-man that will represent Nigeria at the Turkish Women’s Cup.
Oparanozie, who has been an integral part of the senior national team since 2010, was omitted from the list of players by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) due to her involvement in a sit-in protest, at their hotel over unpaid bonuses and allowances after the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Reacting to the ill-treatment meted on Oparanozie, the former Paok Salonika defender stated that the NFF has not truly justified the true reason behind her exclusion from the team.
Udeze said that Oparanozie has been playing active football in France compared to some of the invited players who are clubless for several months.
“There are things that shouldn’t happen in our football anymore because they’ll end up as drawbacks,” He said on his show ‘No Holds Barred’.
“Oparanozie was the Captain to the World Cup and the only reason she has been dropped from the team is that she stood up for her teammates over their unpaid bonuses.
“As the captain, she didn’t come out to speak for herself; she was doing it for the team. That’s why scapegoating her is disgraceful.
“She is active for her club in France, she plays games and has scored goals, but the Falcons Coach is inviting players without clubs, who have not played for many several months.”
By Augustine Akhilomen
