Former Super Falcons striker, Desire Oparanozie, has issued a passionate plea to the owners of clubs participating in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) to prioritize the financial well-being of their players.
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Oparanozie, who recently announced her retirement from both the national team and club football, believes that ensuring adequate compensation for players is crucial to nurturing young talent and elevating the standard of the women’s league.
Speaking on this matter, Oparanozie emphasized that when clubs in the NWFL offer attractive wages and guarantee timely payment to their players, it can have a transformative effect on their careers and performance.
She stressed that when players receive fair and timely remuneration, they can focus entirely on their game without worrying about external issues, ultimately bringing out the best in them.
The former Wuhan Jianghan University of China FC striker underscored the broader impact of well-paid players on the women’s league in Nigeria.
Oparanozie firmly believes that improving player welfare will not only motivate more young girls to pursue football as a career but also raise the overall standard of the league.
Furthermore, Oparanozie called on football administrators to continue organizing grassroots football championships across Nigeria to identify and nurture emerging female talents. She believes that investing in grassroots initiatives is pivotal for discovering and developing future stars in women’s football.
Expressing her commitment to the advancement of women’s football in Nigeria, Oparanozie expressed her willingness to contribute her expertise and efforts to promote the sport.
As she embarks on the next chapter of her life after retiring from professional football, the 29-year-old Desire Oparanozie conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to her fans, family, friends, coaches, and teammates who have supported her throughout her illustrious career.
Her legacy as a Super Falcons stalwart and her advocacy for improved player welfare in women’s football stand as testament to her dedication to the sport and its development in Nigeria.