Nigerian midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has reacted on social media to being left out of the 23-player 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad by coach Randy Waldrum, stating that she was grateful to fans for their support in these trying times for her.
Okobi, who plays for LaLiga Femeino side Levante was a notable absentee as Nigeria released the names of the players who will represent them at this year’s Women’s World Cup, with the 29-year-old midfielder now set to miss out on the tournament as a whole. Okobi has been part of the Super Falcons set up for most of her career
She was part of the Nigerian side that reached the round of 16 at the 2019 edition of the World Cup, but has been heartbroken at the prospect of missing out on the 2023 finals.
In a post on Twitter, Okobi stated that she was left crying by her omission, but had been uplifted by the show of love she had received from fans and family.
In a tweet released a day after getting snubbed, the Levante midfielder said, “The more tag notifications I get on my phone the more I keep crying.”
“What a show of love, I know am [sic] always underrated by the people I work with, I never knew my fans, family and love once still believe in me. Thank you all.
It’s broken to be left out but what can I do, NOTHING.”
Okobi will have to watch from home as Nigeria do battle against hosts Australia, powerhouses Canada and dark horses Ireland in Group of the World Cup.
