CAF have honoured one of African football's greats Desire Oparanozie after the Super Falcons star announced her retirement from the sport
Nigeria’s Desire Oparanozie has been honoured by the Confederation of African Football after announcing her decision to retire at only 29 years old.
Oparanozie shocks the world with retirement announcement
The four-time Women’s AFCON champion announced that she would be retiring from both the national team and club football, bringing to an end a 13-year career that has seen her play for nine different clubs, becoming a cult hero in a number of them.
10:45 - 13.09.2023
Former Nigerian captain Desire Oparanozie retires from Super Falcons and football at 29
Desire Oparanozie will be remembered by Nigerians for missing a crucial penalty in Australia, but the forward has now hung her boots.
12:27 - 13.09.2023
Omo — Nigerians shocked to see Super Falcons' Desire Oparanozie quit football at 29
It's been a case of mixed reactions from Nigeria after Super Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie hung her football boots.
Oparanozie was part of the Super Falcons team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as Nigeria reached the round of 16 before losing on penalties to England.
The former Delta Queens’ forward missed the decisive penalty that knocked the Super Falcons out of the World Cup, which could have played a part in her decision to quit football as a whole.
CAF celebrate Oparanozie’s career
Despite the shocking nature of Oparannozie’s retirement, the former Nigerian captain has been honoured in several quarters after her decision to retire, including by her Super Falcons’ teammate, Ashleigh Plumptre, who called her a natural leader.
19:01 - 14.09.2023
A true leader — Ashleigh Plumptre eulogises retired ex-Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie
Former Super Falcons skipper Desire Oparanozie, who has retired from football, receives some kind words from Ashleigh Plumptre.
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I am very sorry — Oparanozie begs angry Nigerians for forgiveness after penalty miss
Nigeria Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie became unpopular among Nigerians after her penalty miss against England at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
She has also been celebrated by CAF, who posted a message on social media platform X, saying, “It’s been an honour. An outstanding professional football career path has come to an end for the amazing Desire Oparanozie. What a journey!”
Oparanozie played in four Women’s AFCON tournaments with Nigeria, winning all four and she was also the top scorer in 2014, when she scored the winning goal in the final and won the Golden Boot.
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