Oparanozie Applauds Women's Football Growth Under FIFA

Desir Oparanozie, a former Super Falcon forward, praised the significant progress of women's football under Gianni Infantino's 10-year presidency at FIFA. Oparanozie, a four-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) winner, noted the increase in teams participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, growing from 24 teams in 2019 to 32 in 2023, with a projected 48 teams by 2031.

She highlighted the historic achievement of having two African teams reach the final four in 2023 and the introduction of a payment structure for players, ensuring a minimum of $30,000 and a maximum of $270,000 for participants. This initiative marks a significant step towards gender equity in sports.

Oparanozie, who has played in four FIFA Women’s World Cups, emphasized the unique challenges and opportunities these tournaments present for players, coaches, and federations, and the importance of continued investment in women's football.