Super Falcons Star Desire Oparanozie Announces Retirement
Former Super Falcons of Nigeria captain Desire Oparanozie has announced her retirement from football at the age of 29, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career.
The striker became a key figure for Nigeria after progressing through the youth ranks, making over 60 appearances. She helped the Super Falcons win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) four times in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
Oparanozie confirmed the decision in a statement on Wednesday. She thanked fans, family, friends, coaches and teammates for their support during her journey to the top.
“To my fans, family, and friends, thank you for the show of love and support over the years,” Oparanozie wrote wrote on social media platform Twitter (X).
“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 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… pic.twitter.com/QClEeujx8C
— oparanozie desire (@oparanozie9) September 13, 2023
Oparanozie made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2010 and scored 22 goals in 35 appearances.
After emerging in Nigeria with Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens, where she won the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) title twice, Oparanozie spent six successful years in France with Guingamp.
She later had spells at Dijon and in China, becoming one of the first Africans to play in the Chinese Women’s Super League.
