FALCONS STAR OPARANOZIE RETIRES FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL AT 29

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Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 29.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup star made the announcement on 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.

Oparanozie started her career at Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship and moved to Delta Queens in 2010.

She then spent two months on loan at Düvenciler Lisesispor in the Turkish Women’s First Football League in 2011, before returning to Delta Queens.

Her last club was Chinese Women’s Super League club Wuhan Jianghan University.

At international level she represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA U-20 women World Cup, where the Falconets recahed the final and lost 2-0 to Hosts Germany.

She made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2010, and scored 22 goals in 35 appearances.

Oparanozie was part of the Super Falcons squads that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Also, she featured at four FIFA Women’s World Cups: 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023.