Oparanozie slams CAF, referee over head injury

Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie has slammed the Confederation of African Football and Moroccan referee Lamyaa Lourarhi for allowing a Senegalese to cause her injury on the head.

Oparanozie who plays for EN Avent de Guingamp in France got injured after a Senegalese player raised her studs up on her face which left her with four cuts on her forehead during Super Falcons’ 1-1 draw against the Tarenga Lionesses of Senegal in a 2016 women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Surprisingly enough, referee Lourarhi failed to at least issue a yellow card for a challenge that should have been a straight red card.

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“I feel pity for @CAF_online and African football in general. It’s such a shame that referees are being used to manipulate games, ” She wrote on her instagram page.

“Who would’ve believed there’s no caution for this injury let alone a sent off…..would you believe if I told you I was standing on my feet when this happened?

“Those were boot studs (soft) raised as high as my height…..all the way to my forehead, leaving me with four (4) different cuts and there’s no form of caution whatsoever.

“Or am I to complain of the substance (juju) sprinkling on the pitch while game was on which the Moroccan ref LAMYAA LOURARHI did nothing about even after series of complaints. In this new age?”

The former Wolfsburg of Germany striker however expressed confidence in the Super Falcons’ ability to qualify for the AWC.

“African football is indeed in deep shambles. It’s just so unfortunate I happen to be the escape goat this time, it’s well. Thanks to you all for your support, and to as many that’s called and sent in messages….I sincerely appreciate. Nothing is going to stop us from qualifying, and when I say nothing….I mean NOTHING! #VivaSuperFalconsOfNigeria #GodPassThem,” she added.

The return leg takes place on Tuesday at the National Stadium, Abuja.

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