Desire Oparanozie Calls Out NFF President for Neglecting Injured Super Falcons Players

• Desire Oparanozie has slammed the NFF President for not visiting injured female players
• Ibrahim Gusau visited three injured Super Eagles players while on a European trip
• The Former Super Falcons forward has urged the NFF to extend the gesture to women

Former Super Falcons striker, Desire Oparanozie, has voiced her discontent with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for what she perceives as a lack of parity in the treatment of injured players.

While NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, personally visited injured male players, Oparanozie pointed out the absence of similar gestures towards female players.

She expressed her disappointment on social media and highlighted the cases of injured female players Tosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre, who she feels deserved equal attention.

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Despite their injuries, the NFF focused solely on their male counterparts, as evidenced by Gusau's visits to PAOK central defender William Troost-Ekong, Porto fullback Zaidu Sanusi, and Nantes winger Moses Simon.

As the Super Falcons prepare for the 2024 Olympic tournament, securing their spots after a victory against South Africa's Banyana Banyana, Oparanozie stressed the importance of having key players like Demehin and Plumptre in optimal condition.

“It will be more nice if this is extended to the women too. Demehin is currently injured and is in the same country as Simon; Plumptre is injured too,” she posted on her X handle.

According to the Super Eagles, Gusau held talks with Assistant Captain Troost-Ekong about the importance of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Simon and Zaidu have both suffered season-ending injuries, and it is almost confirmed that they will not be called up for the June internationals.

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The Nigerian national team has been without a permanent coach since the departure of Jose Peseiro, who left his role at the end of February.

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