Let me breathe - Omitted Super Falcons' star Ngozi Okobi blasts Nigerian journalists

Okobi has been with the Nigerian setup since her time with the Flamingoes to the 2008 and 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. (Imago)

Let me breathe - Omitted Super Falcons' star Ngozi Okobi blasts Nigerian journalists

Tosin Abayomi 12:00 - 22.08.2023

Omitted Super Falcons star Ngozi Okobi laments the state of journalism in Nigeria.

Super Falcons of Nigeria star Ngozi Okobi has been dominating the social media trends recently.

Following the conclusion of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Okobi gave a detailed performance on the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

The Super Falcons were ranked 10th among the 32 teams that participated in the World Cup and have received a lot of commendation for their heroics.

Ngozi Okobi's verdict on Super Falcons

Okobi a Super Falcons of Nigeria veteran did not make the squad to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

According to reports, she made her thoughts about the dynamics of the team known on social media.

Although not selected, Okobi was of the opinion that her talents in midfield could have proved to serve the Super Falcons well in the

She reportedly said, "I'm not saying that they miss me. I missed myself, I would use that word instead. I missed myself in such games because that's the kind of games I play and play very well.

Okobi has been one of Nigeria's most featured players since progressing from the youth teams. (Instagram/Ngozi Okobi)
Okobi has been one of Nigeria's most featured players since progressing from the youth teams. (Instagram/Ngozi Okobi)

“Why did I say so? I'm not trying to brag here. I'm not trying to call myself one of the best, but I feel like Super Falcons still need a player like me in their team.

“We still haven't gotten a creative player. I might not be the strongest player on earth to be in that team, but I have talent that I don't think anyone could replace right now. So, they lack that.”

Ngozi Okobi didn't make the Super Falcons squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup while Toni Payne was a mainstay in Nigeria's midfield |Credit: X: @t_payne10, Instagram: @Okobingozi
Ngozi Okobi didn't make the Super Falcons squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup while Toni Payne was a mainstay in Nigeria's midfield |Credit: X: @t_payne10, Instagram: @Okobingozi

Ngozi Okobi reacts to journalism in Nigeria

In a portion of her conversation, Okobi reportedly spoke about the creative position occupied by Sevilla midfielder Toni Payne for the Super Falcons throughout the tournament.

Okobi's statement about Payne has been reported by several media platforms and social media has taken a lot from it.

In a now-deleted message, Okobi was not happy with the state of journalism in Nigeria.
In a now-deleted message, Okobi was not happy with the state of journalism in Nigeria.

The veteran midfielder took to her official social media platforms to post a response to the reports about her statement

In a now-deleted message, Okobi was not happy with the state of journalism in Nigeria.

She said, "After how many days you still went ahead to make it fresh again?

Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (13) was Nigeria's stand-in captain at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations whenever senior players Onome Ebi and Rita Chikwelu, were absent [Photo: IMAGO/Tobi Adepoju]
Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (13) was Nigeria's stand-in captain at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations whenever senior players Onome Ebi and Rita Chikwelu, were absent [Photo: IMAGO/Tobi Adepoju]

"A lot have happened to me during this World Cup, can you all journalist let me breath?

"Ord do you want to start posting RIP from teh damage you all have cost.

"God ..... I hate Nigeria media."

Okobi progressed from the Flamingoes to the Falconets then the Super Falcons of Nigeria
Okobi progressed from the Flamingoes to the Falconets then the Super Falcons of Nigeria

Nigerians football fans on social media were engaging with the message by Okobi before it got deleted.

Okobi's future with the Super Falcons

It is unclear if the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will continue with American Randy Waldrum as the Head Coach as the Super Falcons begin preparation for the Olympics in Paris next year.

Waldrum not only preferred Payne but also youngster Deborah Abiodun who got sent off in the opening draw against Olympic Champions Canada and missed the other two group games and the round of 16 clash.

Okobi was at the AWCON to help the Super Falcons of Nigeria seal a place at 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Okobi was at the AWCON to help the Super Falcons of Nigeria seal a place at 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Okobi has been with the Nigerian setup since her time with the Flamingoes at the 2008 and 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cups.

She also turned out for the Falconets team at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

She has won multiple Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON) titles as well as representing Nigeria at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments.