Ex Super Falcons forward Desire Ugochi Oparanozie is calling for an improvement in the welfare package of ladies playing in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) npflupdates.com reports.
Oparanozie started her professional football career in the local NWFL before securing a more lucrative move abroad.
With Delta Queens, she won the Nigeria Women’s Football League twice . And also helped Nigeria’s Super Falcons win four Women’s African Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) titles.
Speaking in an interview Oparanozie argued that clubs in the NWFL ought to be paying their players attractive wages. According to her, that will help them sustain their career while playing professional football.
Desire Oparanozie Reveals way forward for Nigeria’s female football
“Clubs in the Nigeria Women’s league have to pay players attractive wages to sustain their career while playing football,” said Oparanozie.
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“When players are paid well and not owed salaries, it will bring out the best in them. If a player has good welfare package while playing football, she does not have to be worried of any external problems. She will concentrate 100 percent on the game.”
Speaking further the former WAFCON Golden Boot winner, suggested that a good wage will encourage more females to play football. Also, it will improve the standard of the local league.
“When Nigeria league players are paid well it will encourage more girls to play football and also improve the standard of the league in the country. More has to be done to discover outstanding talents from the grassroots,” she added.
In a related development, Oparanozie, was last week conferred as an Honorary member of the Imo State Football Association.
Recall, Desire announced her retirement from both international and club football last week. And is now free, and also accepted to take part in building the sports industry in Imo State.
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“Over the weekend I was conferred as an Honorary member of the Imo State Football Association. Special appreciation to the Imo State FA Chairman and it’s executive committee members for such an honour. A recognition I do no take for granted. Long live Imo State,” she said on her verified Twitter handle.