Steve Barker happy with new Stellenbosch arrivals as pre-season intensifies
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is happy with how his new signings have settled in at the club, as they start to gain momentum in their pre-season camp.
The Super Falcons opened their bid for a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title with a 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday.
Oparanozie lifted the trophy four times, including the most recent triumph in 2018, and thinks other countries have gained ground on the West Africans.
"A lot of teams have invested so much in their women's football - financial investment, facility investment - whatever it takes to make sure that you improve," Oparanozie told Newsday on the BBC World Service.
Oparanozie, who had spells with clubs across Europe and in China, sees plenty of areas where the NFF can improve.
"I think the governing body hasn't really done enough to actually make sure that the other African teams don't catch up with the Nigerian team," the 31-year-old said.
"They need to do better in every aspect.
"You can't boast of any standard structure when it comes to the football field. Facility-wise, we are lacking in that area.
"In terms of pay, I'm a big advocate on equal pay for women's football.
"And even if we can't get equal pay, whatever is due to the players… if it's peanuts, give it to them. You need to prioritize players' health as well."
Super Falcons encouraged by 'Mission X'
Despite flagging those issues, Oparanozie described Nigeria's performance against Tunisia in Casablanca as "dominant", although she also said the team were "very wasteful" in front of goal.
After finishing fourth at the last edition of the finals in 2022, the NFF has branded the campaign to win the Wafcon title in Morocco as 'Mission X'.
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie says the focus on returning home with the trophy has helped foster a strong team spirit.
"They say there's power in the spoken word and the federation brought up this logo, Mission X, just to encourage us," said the 24-year-old, who recently signed for Brighton & Hove Albion Women in England.
"There are so many countries here competing for the same trophy and for them to tag that Mission X means they believe in us.
"Of course every team wants to stop Nigeria, but we do everything in our power to always be who we are.
"We know people want to be in our position and we know people want to take us down, but that's life. We always try as much as we can to keep up the good spirit."
