Former Super Falcons captains Desire Oparanozie, Patience Avre, and Kikelomo Ajayi said Nigeria's women's football team should not rely on historic successes [1].
The warnings come as the national team prepares for the 2028 Women’s Olympic qualifying campaign [1]. With a new technical crew now leading the squad, the veterans believe a shift in mentality is required to maintain Nigeria's standing in international football.
According to the former captains, the team can no longer depend on its reputation as a dominant force in African football to secure victories [2]. They said the current landscape of the women's game has evolved, requiring higher levels of preparation and tactical discipline.
The qualifying campaign is scheduled to resume in October [2]. The former players said the transition to a new technical crew provides an opportunity to rebuild the team's approach and instill a more competitive edge.
Oparanozie, Avre, and Ajayi said that while the history of the Super Falcons is prestigious, it does not guarantee success in the modern era [1]. They urged the current players to focus on improvement and hard work rather than the accolades of previous generations.
Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in women's football, but the veterans said other nations have closed the gap [2]. The upcoming qualifiers will serve as a critical test for the new coaching staff and the players' ability to adapt to a more challenging environment.
“Nigeria can no longer rely on past glory”
The public warnings from three former captains signal a perceived decline in the Super Falcons' competitive edge relative to other nations. By emphasizing the need for a new mentality under a new technical crew, the veterans are highlighting a systemic need for modernization in Nigeria's women's football program to ensure qualification for the 2028 Games.
