Super Falcons skipper Desire Oparanozie hopeful of making a return for the final group game

SUPER Falcons skipper Desire Oparanozie is still involved in a race against time to get fit for the ongoing Women's World Cup as she hopes to be available for selection ahead of Tuesday's final group game against the Republic of Ireland.

So far, Nigeria has enjoyed a brilliant tournament defying all the odds despite being in the group of death, securing four points from two very tough opening matches. After playing a 0-0 draw with Olympic champions Canada, the Falcons sent shockwaves across the world, beating hosts Australia 3-2 on Brisbane yesterday.

However, both games have been played without Oparanozie leading the line as she usually does, with Ifeoma Onumonua playing as target-woman in her absence. Oparanozie, who currently plies her trade in the Chinese Women's Super League with Wuhan Jianghan University, had been hopeful of making the Australia game but failed to get fit on time.

Nigeria is gradually getting her full complement of players fit as Barcelona's star striker Asisat Oshoala came off the bench yesterday to score against Australia, proving her full fitness. Also with midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade and forward Halimatu Ayinde returning after the missing the first game, the team is now looking full strength.

With Nigeria on the verge of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1999, Oparanozie will be keen to see some action. In 1999, Nigeria reached the quarter finals of the tournament, losing to a golden goal to Brazil on the 104th minute and the current team believes it can surpass that feat.

A Nigeria Football Federation spokesman said Oparanozie copped an injury on the last day of the final training camp in Gold Coast before the tournament started but she is now on the road to full recovery. He added: “She (trained on her own, kicking the ball on the side of the pitch as the other 21 players were drilled by Waldrum and his assistants.”

All Nigeria need to do us avoid defeat against Ireland on Tuesday and the team will be through to the knock-out stages of the tournament. Several players has been outstanding in this tournament, with the likes of Chiamaka Nnadozie, Osinachi Ohale, Blessing Demehin, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde and Deborah Abiodun all catching the eye.

With Abiodun set to return for the Ireland game after missing the Australia match through suspension, Oparanozie appears to be the only missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Currently ranked 40th on the world, the Super Falcons have become one of the sensations of the tournament as nobody gave them any hope before the competition began.