Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 29.
She made the announcement on social media on Wednesday morning.
“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,” Oparanozie wrote on her X handle.
“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.”
The forward started her career at Bayelsa Queens in the NWFL and went on to win the title twice.
Oparanozie came into the limelight after featuring for Nigeria’s Falconets at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010.
She was part of the Super Falcons squad that won the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018. She was the highest goal scorer at the 2014 edition.
The striker scored 22 goals in 35 appearances for Nigeria.
She played for a host of football teams across Europe and Asia featuring in Turkey, Russia, Germany, France and China.
Oparanozie’s last involvement with the Super Falcons was at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
