Former Super Falcons’ captain Desire Oparanozie has ruled herself out of next month’s Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Oparanozie has been a regular member of the women’s senior national team since 2010 and featured in three FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011, 2015 and 2019.
The 2014 WAFCON)golden boot winner wrote on her Twitter handle yesterday that due to border control in China, she could not make the trip.
“Due to issues bothering on border restrictions, which is beyond my control. I am officially unavailable to serve. Which explains my replacement. I wish the team all the best in Morocco as I will be cheering from here. #GoSuperFalcons,” she wrote.
The Wuhan Jianghan University striker has been an integral member of the Super Falcons while her crucial goals aided the Falcons’ triumph in 2014 and 2016 editions of the continental championships.
Oparanozie was named in Coach Randy Waldrum ‘s initial squad for the championships but her absence will come as a surprise to the American coach who hopes to lead Nigeria in its title defence in Morocco next month.
Defending champions Nigeria has been drawn in the same group along with Bayana Bayana of South Africa as well as debutants – Botswana and Burundi.