All-Africa Games: Oparanozie flattens Congo

En Avant Guingamp striker Desire Oparanozie scored four excellent goals as Nigeria ladies defeated host nation Congo 5-1 in a thrilling start to the All-Africa Games.

The goal-rush by the former Wolfsburg Ladies forward was a big way to silence her critics who have criticised her for lack of goals in recent times for the Super Falcons.

Nigeria’s win against the host country gave the seven-time African champions an early advantage in Group A.

The clash between home country Congo and Nigeria was predicted to produce goals and it lived up to that billing.

There were flowing attacking moves, brilliant display of individual skills and great goals which lifted the tone of the tournament. Oparanozie was a hugely influential figure, not only for her goals, but for her tenacity and physical ability.

She scored in the fifth minute for the opening goal. Nigeria increased the lead in the 7th minute from a slick breakaway, at the end of which saw Oparanozie deliver a quality finish.

The sharp shooter was once again at her best element with a brilliant hat-trick after fifteen minutes. The tempo flagged a little and the first half of the encounter ended three-nil in favour of the Christopher Musa Danjuma’s charges.

In the second stanza, the Congolese side scored a face saving goal while the Super Falcons added two more goals to go on top of the group.

Oparanozie and substitute Chinaza Uchendu scored for Nigeria in the second half.

Super Falcons Starters: Tochukwu Oluehi, Edoho Edoho, Osinachi Ohale, Onome Ebi, Sarah Nnodim, Evelyn Nwabuoku (c), Osarenoma Igbinovia, Chioma Wogu, Desire Oparanozie, Esther Sunday, Yetunde Adeboyejo

Reserves include: Charity John, Sandra Chiichii, Ebere Okoye, Gladys Akpa, Chinaza Uchendu, Joy Jegede, Ihezuo Chinwendu, Amarachi Okoronkwo, Amanze Mercy.

Meanwhile, former Super Falcons coach Rolandson Odeh has commended the side’s five-star performance against hosts and newcomers Congo at the ongoing All Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

Odeh said the side have put themselves on solid footing to emerge top of the group with match day 1’s high performance against the Central Africans.

“That’s a good start performance against Congo. They just have to keep it up in the next matches against Tanzania and Ivory Coast. The result has put them on solid footing to come out top of the group as well as potential gold medallists.

“The clash against Tanzania should be a walkover but that does not call for complacency. Oparanozie has confirmed her rating as superstar, I see her emerging top on the scorers’ chart at the end of the Games,” said the Bayelsa Queens’ coach.

Falcons will confront the East African side, Tanzania, on Wednesday before rounding off the group’s campaign on Saturday against West African rivals Ivory Coast.