₦airaland Forum

MajohBankz:
One of the few girls in the super falcons team. If you know waramean

WeRblessed:
She is a beautiful girl, and her talent is so good. I wish our female soccer players can dress like ladies, put little makeup on, wash/make their hair regularly and take care of their dentals. May God bless all their endeavors.

dalass:
Thanks for the enlightenment

dalass:


Aside leading to protest for money, what have you done to help other upcoming female football players to reach your football playing status?

I’m proud to have led Falcons bonus protest in 2019 –Oparanozie

Published January 2, 2021

What’s your take on the Super Falcons’ inactivity in 2020?

Going for months and years without engaging the Super Falcons is not a new thing, it’s been going on for years. Before the 2019 (Women’s) World Cup, we stayed dormant for a long time until a couple of months to the tournament, when we had some friendly games.


It has become a norm and I don’t think the inactivity of the Falcons should be blamed on COVID-19 because there are other countries that played during the period. Again, cancelling the (Women’s) Nation’s Cup wasn’t the right decision, I think it should have been postponed.

I think women’s football in Africa still has a long way to go, people at the helm of affairs have to do better. I hope and pray we get there soon, we need to do things right to be able to compete at the world stage, not just Africa. We should be tired of being just African champions, we have the talents, we have all it takes but then, we lack the structure. We lack the vision; those leading us can do better but have refused to do the right things.


We have a whole lot to do when it comes to women’s football in Nigeria. We have all it takes to be amongst the Top 10 women’s football playing nations in the world.

Do you think there is a workable structure for women’s football in Nigeria?

Firstly, our structure is not good, and then we don’t have grassroots football in Nigeria. In France for example, there are three major women’s leagues. There is the U-19, second division, and the top league, so there is a structure, and that’s what we don’t have.

Another thing we don’t have is representation. There are many people in Nigeria that aren’t even aware that there is an existing women’s league in Nigeria and we are not doing anything about that.

The league has come a long way and over time they’ve been trying to be consistent, making sure the league is played every year but then, we should try to put these games on TV because when you talk about sponsorship, you should be able to take home something from the deal as the person putting down the money.


Were you traumatised during the period you played in the domestic league?

It wasn’t easy coping in the Nigerian league. While I was playing there, it was tough and the standard was great and I believe the standard is still good but it’s still the same old story. Sometimes players are owed, most times you travel long distances for a game and still have to play on the same day despite the fatigue.

It was traumatising, but then I hadn’t had it any better, so I took it as if it was okay. Now, having tested both sides, I know that things can change.

If you had asked me then, I wouldn’t have complained but now, with the experience I have, I think things can be better.

What were your thoughts after being stripped of the Falcons’ captaincy?

Truth is, so many things happened behind the scene that many people don’t know about. With the national team, it’s always been like that. I will always speak the truth irrespective.

The issue of the captaincy, Thomas Dennerby (former Falcons coach) honoured me with the responsibility of leading the team. I was honoured and the thing is that he left and the new coach decided to appoint another captain. For me, it was a welcome development because I think a coach has the right to appoint whoever he wants as captain or continue with the previous captain, so I understand that.

I don’t know if my leadership influenced the coach’s decision to appoint a new captain in any way, it is entirely up to the coach and the federation. To me, anyone can be called upon to lead the team if they think the person has the qualities.

What I want is a united team, someone that will represent the team and at the same time represent the federation. For me it wasn’t a big deal, the most important thing was that I did my best to represent the team in the best possible way I could have and that’s it.

Were you consulted before being stripped of the captaincy?

I wasn’t consulted, it was a decision that was taken without my knowledge. In this part of the world, we do things not minding the effect, but really it is not a big deal and when they made the pronouncement, I accepted it in good faith.

Do you think the decision to strip you of your captaincy was linked to the bonus row at the 2019 W’Cup?

Before the 2019 World Cup, we were owed two-match bonuses from 2016. It was during the qualifiers, the away bonus was $1,500 because we drew the game. And the game at home we won and our bonus was supposed to be $3,000. But they said they no longer paid in foreign currencies and would have to pay us in Naira. They said they will pay us N500,000. But the issue was that the new law (of paying in local currency) wasn’t in effect in 2016. Anyway, that wasn’t a problem and we all agreed.

But it was three years without the payment. We got them (federation) to agree that they were going to pay the money but what the federation did was to pay the players that were still in the 2019 camp, leaving out others that were no longer in the team. So, I told them it wasn’t right and that was the problem.

We went back and forth for days and in the end, they were able to pay the players that were no longer in the team. I think if they had any reason to pick another captain, that might have been the reason because that was what transpired in camp and if that is the reason, I’m proud of what I did, fighting for players that were no longer in camp. So, there is no problem.

What are your thoughts on equal pay for men and women’s football teams?

I wouldn’t say we are there yet, but I really commend the Edo State Government for making equal pay for Edo Queens and Edo Insurance a reality. These things are doable but for some reasons, some individuals will not do what needs to be done.

It doesn’t have to be equal. What women earn in football is close to nothing compared to what their male counterparts earn. We are not saying it has to be 100 per cent, but the gap should be close.

Being in sports as a woman is not easy, so these things are doable. But some individuals will rather sit on it and make some decisions that will affect lives for years.

We failed to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. Is it because of lack of talent or the less attention paid to women’s football?

We have the talents. Even if you take away the players playing abroad, we have the right talents at home to execute the qualifiers, but the reason we’ve failed is that we don’t pay enough attention to women’s football and a lot of African countries have caught up with us.

In the 2016 AWCON in Cameroon, we struggled. South Africa beat us in our opening game, then we met again in the semi-final and that was a tough game. At the last edition, we met them in the final and only won through penalties after playing 120 minutes.

These other teams have caught up with us because we’ve been sleeping. South Africa in the last two years have played more friendly games than the Falcons ever played. That’s a federation that always wants to put their players to the test and want to measure their success. That’s how it should be. Talent is not enough anymore.

The women’s league has been running for several years without sponsorship despite the efforts of NWFL chairperson Aisha Falode…

(Cuts in) I honestly commend Aisha Falode for what she’s been able to do so far because in a system like this, if you’re a visionary person, you will always see few people that want to pull you down.

I know we don’t have sponsors for the league yet, but one thing I know is that when you seek sponsorships for the men’s league, you can put in something about the women’s league too because it the same body at the top.

It all boils down to the marketing team, just add a little fraction of what is given to the men’s league to the female league so as to get the ball rolling.

You’ve not been invited to the Falcons since the 2019 World Cup. Would you return to the team if invited?

Yes, I will. I’m still playing, I’m still very active so if called upon, I will come back. Nigeria is the only home I have.

What are your 2021 objectives for your French club FC Dijon?

This year, the objective is to help the team qualify for the women’s Champions League because currently, three teams from France can qualify for the tournament. Initially, it was two, so now we’re looking forward to finishing in the top three to see if we can pick up the Champions League ticket.

The plan is to help my team achieve this goal. Hopefully, I stay healthy throughout the season to help them realise this goal.

I’m not setting any goal target for myself but I want to score as many goals as I can, I want to create several assists just to help the team. Whether I score or assist, the most important thing is to always have a positive impact and help the team get to where they want to be.

What was the experience like when you first arrived in Europe?

It wasn’t easy for me settling down in Europe but it was exciting and I was very young then. The first time I travelled to play in Europe was in Russia and it was extremely cold, the time difference, the food, the culture, everything was different and it was difficult for me at first. Sometimes I cried because I was homesick, but the hunger to succeed didn’t let me give up.

What has kept you going?

It’s been consistency. Getting to this point is one thing and remaining here is another. I think I have always had the zeal to succeed. I don’t like being a failure and where I’m coming from, I’m not sure it’s where I want to go back to, so I keep working hard. I try to do my best to remain here.

Can you describe the feeling of scoring the winning goal that gave Nigeria the eighth AWCON title in 2016 against hosts Cameroon?

The feeling is amazing. To date, when I watch the highlight, it brings exciting feelings. Scoring the lone goal in the 86th minute in front of over 40,000 spectators was huge. The stadium went silent, there was a deafening silence and their (Cameroon) President was at the stadium. I’m glad I scored the goal that gave us the eighth AWCON trophy.

1. PUBLIC NOTICE ON PURPORTED 50% INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFFS The attention of the Commission has been drawn to publications in the print and electronic media misinforming electricity consumers that the Commission has approved a 50% increase in electricity tariffs.

2. The Commission hereby state unequivocally that NO approval has been granted for a 50% tariff increase in the Tariff Order for electricity distribution companies which took effect on January 1, 2021.


3. On the contrary, the tariff for customers on service bands D & E (customers being served less than an average of 12hrs of supply per day over a period of one month) remains frozen and subsidised in line with the policy direction of the FG.

4. In compliance with the provisions of the EPSR Act and the nation’s tariff methodology for biannual minor review, the rates for service bands A, B, C, D and E have been adjusted by NGN2.00 to NGN4.00 per kWhr to reflect the partial impact of inflation & movement in forex.

5. In the light of strong public interest on this matter, the media is hereby requested to retract their earlier publications misinforming electricity consumers nationwide about a purported 50% increase in electricity tariffs.

6. The Commission remains committed to protecting electricity consumers from failure to deliver on committed service levels under the service-based tariff regime.

7. Any customer that has been impacted by any rate increases beyond the above provision of the tariff Order should report to the Commission at customer.complaints@nerc.gov.ng

DisGuy:
@naptu2

Any info plz

Women's football rankings: Oshoala, Kgatlana dominate December in Europe


Leonard Solms Special to ESPN
December 31st, 2020.


Two African attackers in Spain stood head and shoulders above the rest in December, as Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala worked her way back to the top and South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana also enjoyed a superb month.

However, there is a strong focus on France in the second half of this month's African Women's Power Rankings, with several African stars featuring strongly in the French Feminine Division 1.

The Chawinga sisters and Barbra Banda are absent from our Power Rankings as China is in the offseason, but are likely to reappear in our top 10 when the Women's Super League returns.

Likewise, keep an eye on Ode Fulutudilu, who recently signed for Scottish champions Glasgow City after becoming a champion herself with Åland United in Finland.

1. Asisat Oshoala, Barcelona

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Asisat Oshoala was a goalscoring machine for Barcelona in December, netting in nearly every game she played. Fran Santiago/Getty Images


Oshoala has had to fight for her starting position in an intensely competitive squad, but December saw her return to peak goalscoring form.

Oshoala began the month by coming off the bench and scoring in a 9-0 Primera División Femenina rout of Santa Teresa. In the UEFA Women's Champions League round of 32 first leg, she started and scored in a 4-1 away win over PSV.

Three days later, Barcelona visited Valencia in the league and Oshoala was the star of the show. She played the full 90 minutes, scoring three times in a 7-0 drubbing.

Oshoala came off the bench for Caroline Hansen in the 72nd minute of the return leg against PSV, another 4-1 win. She replaced the same player in the 46th minute of Barcelona's next league match, against Sevilla, scoring in a 6-0 triumph.

Back in the starting lineup to finish the year off, the Super Falcons star scored twice in a 6-1 drubbing of Deportivo de La Coruña.




2. Thembi Kgatlana, Eibar

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South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana has settled well at SD Eibar in Spain, with December seeing her contribute to six goals. Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images


Whenever fortune favoured Eibar over the past month, Banyana Banyana's Kgatlana was at the heart of it all. In total, she picked up two goals and four assists in December.

The pacey striker started off with two assists in the 4-2 defeat to Deportivo. She then netted the winner in a 1-0 victory over Sevilla.

Eibar were handed a 3-0 spanking by Rayo Vallecano, but they and Kgatlana recovered in their next match -- a 2-0 win over Santa Teresa. The 24-year-old's opener was compounded by an own goal from Marta Parralejo.

Eibar suffered another 4-2 defeat against Valencia, but once again, Kgatlana provided assists for both of their goals to finish the year off in fine personal form.


3. Ajara Nchout, Vålerenga

Having topped our November Power Rankings, Nchout drops to third place due more to the blistering form of her African counterparts than any failings of her own. However, December was a successful month for her.

First, Vålerenga secured the Norwegian Toppserien title on goal difference over Rosenborg with a 4-0 win over Arna-Bjørnar. Nchout finished as joint-top scorer with nine league goals.

Then, Nchout's extra time opener sent Vålerenga on their way to a 2-0 cup final win over Lillestrøm. Marie Markussen doubled the lead shortly afterwards and Vålerenga did the double.

4. Refiloe Jane, AC Milan

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Refiloe Jane is all smiles, as well she should be after AC Milan went unbeaten in December. Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

The Banyana midfielder continued her steady start to life in Milan, playing the full 90 minutes in both of the Rossonere's December fixtures.

Milan beat Fiorentina 1-0 and then Sassuolo 2-0 to keep the pressure on Juventus at the top of the table. Juve lead the way with 30 points from 10 matches, while Milan have 27 from 10 after winning nine matches and losing 1-0 to the current table-toppers in October.

Jane and Milan are scheduled to be back in league action on 16 January against Hellas Verona. First, however, they will play Fiorentina in the Women's Super Cup semi-final on 6 January.



5. Marie-Aurelle Awona, Stade de Reims

December was a mixed month on the field of play for Cameroon defender Awona. It began with a clean sheet in Stade de Reims' 0-0 draw with Dijon, but they were then beaten 1-0 by Guingamp. Awona lasted the duration of both matches, but picking up yellow cards in both.

Away from the hustle of French Feminine Division 1 action, Awona was one of three Cameroon players recognised in the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) African Team of the Year 2020 alongside Nchout and Gabrielle Onguene.

Reims head into the new year ninth in the 12-team league table, five points clear of the relegation zone. They will be hoping to put some daylight between themselves and the drop when they face European champions Olympique Lyon on 16 January.


6. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Braga

Seoposenwe has been consistently impressive for Braga since signing after a stint at Real Betis. December was not a particularly busy month for her, but she made the most of her time on the pitch.

Braga beat Clube Condeixa 5-0 on 19 December and Seoposenwe was arguably the outstanding performer of the day. From the right flank, the Banyana international was a key creative influence for her side throughout the 90 minutes.

Braga sit second in the Campeonato Nacional de Futebol Feminino North Serie with 21 points from eight matches, three behind Famalicão.

7. Elodie Nakkach, Dijon

Nakkach started for Dijon in their 0-0 draw with Reims and subsequent 3-2 defeat at the hands of Paris FC.

The Morocco international has played all 11 of Dijon's matches so far in the league. They currently sit eighth in Division 1.

Nigeria's Desire Oparanozie has been unable to contribute to the cause for Dijon since picking up a hamstring injury in November, hence her absence from our December rankings.

8. Easther Mayi Kith, Stade de Reims

Mayi Kith started alongside her compatriot, Awona, in Reims' draw with Dijon. Although she missed the subsequent loss to Guingamp, she can be proud of her contribution to the cause in 2020/21.

Mayi Kith has played in nine matches for Reims in Division 1, lasting the duration in each one. At the age of 23, she likely still has her best years ahead of her.

9. Zenatha Coleman, Sevilla

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Zenatha Coleman is a rare Namibian in European women's football, turning out for Sevilla in 2020 and for Valencia prior to that. Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Namibia captain Coleman scored twice for Sevilla in November, and although she was not prolific in December, she continues to feature prominently.

Coleman came off the bench in their first three matches of the month as Sevilla lost 5-2 to Real Madrid and 1-0 to Eibar before a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.

The team fared better when Coleman started in their next three matches. Although they were thumped 6-0 by runaway league leaders Barcelona, that disappointment was sandwiched between a 1-0 victory over Levante and a 2-1 triumph against Granadilla Tenerife.

Sevilla lie eighth in the 18-team league and will be back in Primera División action on 6 January against Real Betis.

10. Sylia Koui, Le Havre

French-Algerian attacker Koui is honoured this month due to having scored for Le Havre against Lyon, albeit in a 3-1 defeat.

After the European champions scored three goals in the first 18 minutes of the match, Le Havre fought valiantly from then onwards. Koui's 42nd minute goal offered some consolation.

However, against Paris Saint-Germain a week later, there was little good to report as Le Havre were thumped 5-0 with Koui in the starting XI.

debetmx:
God bless you sir and keep you for many more years.

I always look forward to your posts.