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Super Falcons captain Oparanozie calls for equal pay with men’s team

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Super Falcons captain, Desire Oparanozie has asked that the women’s senior national team be paid the same amount of money paid to the men’s national team, the Super Eagles.

She made the call at the Ladies In Sports (LIS) Conference founded by sports broadcaster, Tega Onojaife, during the fourth edition held on Friday, July 26 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

Oparanozie captained the Falcons at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, where they reached the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.

“I think we deserve equal pay. We are the most successful female team in Africa. We have done the nation proud. I believe we will get there, one step at a time,” she said.

The En Avant Guingamp striker also advocated for the Nigeria Women’s Football League to be televised.

“The Nigeria Football Federation must work on getting the women’s league on TV. With that, there will be more eyes on the league and sponsors can come in,” she added.

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NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi opened the discussions on the importance of girls and women in sports, highlighting that sports women have to work harder to get recognition in today’s society.

“One of the things that can help Nigeria reach its potential is to give women opportunities in every area,” Akinwunmi said.

During the first panel session, Kenyan 800m World Champion, Janet Jepkosgei, 2017 Afrobasket Champion, Nkechi Akashili and Athletics blogger, Funmilayo Fameso discussed their journey in sports, the challenges they have faced and more.

“Being a mother is the best thing to have ever happened to me,” Jepkosgei said.

“It has been a long way coming for me in athletics. I took a three year break and I just won my first race last year.

“Biologically when you come back from a break, you become stronger. It’s the best thing to do but make sure you do it at the right time.”

Former Banyana Banyana midfielder, Amanda Dlamini, who was part of the second panel session, urged footballers to prepare for retirement, as that made it easier for her to transition into sports broadcasting after she hung up her boots.

At the conference, Rivers Angels goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, young Judoka, Adijat Azeez, Wrestler, Sunmisola Balogun, Track and Field athlete, Rosemary Chukwuma and Powerlifter, Esther Onyema were given grants as a reward for excellent performances in their different sports in 2018.

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