Desire Oparanozie pens farewell message as she announces retirement from football

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 13/09/2023

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

Oparanozie made her retirement from the round-leather game public knowledge following her announcement on social media.

Desire Oparanozie was a dependable striker with Nigeria’s Super Falcons (Image: AfroSportTV on X)

ALSO READ: Super Falcons Forward, Oparanozie apologises to Nigerians for missing penalty

She wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “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.
Desire Ugochi Oparanozie ✍🏾.”

Club Profile

The prolific goalscorer began her football career with Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) side Bayelsa Queens.

Desire Oparanozie announces retirement at 29 years old (Image: Fisayo Dairo on X)

She later joined Delta Queens before she was later loaned out to Turkish side Lüleburgaz 39 Spor.

ALSO READ: Al Ittihad unveil Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre

Having returned to Delta Queens following her loan spell, Oparanozie moved back to Europe where she joined Rossinyaka permanently. After her brief stint at the Russian club, she teamed up with Wolfsburg and later Ataşehir Belediyespor.

However, it was at Guingamp Oparanozie had her best European career. She scored 45 goals in 106 appearances during her time at the French outfit.

The multiple-time AWCON winner later played for another French side Dijon. Desire Oparanozie then moved to Wuhan Jianghan University in China, which will now be her last club.

National team profile

Her national team career started in 2010. She went on to become an instrumental part of the Super Falcons for years.

Desire Oparanozie’s retirement from the beautiful game comes few weeks after missing a penalty kick in Nigeria’s last 16 loss to England at the Women’s World Cup (Image: @oparanozie9)

Having appeared in four FIFA Women’s World outings, including the last one in Australia and New Zealand, Oparanozie now calls time on her illustrious career.

ALSO READ: One year after signing for Dortmund, Anthony Modeste joins African champions Al Ahly

Recall that Oparanozie lost her national team captaincy after she battled the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over issues bordering on wages and bonuses.

In total, she made 35 appearances for Nigeria and scored 22 goals for the team.

She hangs her boots as a four-time African champion.