Super Falcons forward, Desire Oparanozie has announced her retirement from professional football.
Oparanozie disclosed this through her X handle on 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,” she tweeted.
Oparanozie started her football career with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship before making a move to Delta Queens in 2010.
In 2011, she briefly joined Düvenciler Lisesispor on loan, competing in the Turkish Women’s First Football League, and then returned to Delta Queens.
Her final professional stint was with Wuhan Jianghan University in the Chinese Women’s Super League.
On the international stage, Oparanozie proudly represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where the Falconets reached the final, though ultimately losing 2-0 to the host nation, Germany.
Her debut for the Super Falcons occurred in 2010, during which she netted an impressive 22 goals in 35 appearances.
Oparanozie was a vital member of the Super Falcons’ squads that clinched victory in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Furthermore, she showcased her talent at four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments: 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
