The Nigeria women’s captain is demanding her side be paid the same as their male’s counterparts

Desire Oparanozie believes the Nigeria women’s team deserve to receive the same pay as the country’s male side.

Oparanozie, who captained the Super Falcons to a Round of 16 finish at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup, made the comment at the 2019 Ladies In Sports Conference in Lagos. 

In 2018, Thomas Dennerby’s side piped South Africa to win their ninth African Women’s Cup of Nations crown in Ghana, making them the African team with the most titles.

In spite of the team’s successes, they only received US$3,000 as winning bonus and $1,500 for a draw at international outings, compared to the men’s team getting $10,000 and $5,000 for the same achievements.

“We are the most successful female team in Africa, yet we have the largest disparities between men’s and women’s pay,” noted Oparanozie.

“I think we deserve equal pay. This big gap tells a different story and a proper rethink of this mode of payment could also help the women’s game.

“We have done the nation proud and I think the results over the years are there for all to see.

“With positive results and more success, I believe we will get there, it’s one step at a time.”

Oparanozie will hope for a positive response from the Nigeria Football Federation when the Super Falcons gather for next month’s African Women’s 2020 Olympic qualifier against Algeria.