Desire Oparanozie retires from professional football

Super Falcons striker, Desire Oparanozie has officially declared her retirement from professional football. The 29-year-old made this significant announcement via her social media handle, X, on a Wednesday.

“To my fans, family, and friends, thank you for the show of love and support over the years. It’s time to take a bow, as I believe there’s no better time than now. I’m officially announcing my retirement from professional football for both club and country.

“To every team and coach I have played for, to every mate I’ve played alongside, and to every opponent I have played against, thank you all for being part of this incredible journey. Thank you football, thank you Nigeria.

Oparanozie’s journey in football commenced at Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship, where she honed her skills before making a move to Delta Queens in 2010. In 2011, she embarked on a brief loan spell with Düvenciler Lisesispor in the Turkish Women’s First Football League before returning to Delta Queens. Her final club in her illustrious career was the Chinese Women’s Super League team, Wuhan Jianghan University.

On the international stage, Oparanozie proudly represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, during which the Falconets reached the final but succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against hosts Germany. Her debut for the Super Falcons came in 2010, and she managed to net an impressive 22 goals in 35 appearances.

Oparanozie was a vital part of the Super Falcons’ victorious squads in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, clinching the title in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Additionally, she showcased her talents on the global stage, participating in four FIFA Women’s World Cups: 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.