It's been a case of mixed reactions from Nigeria after Super Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie hung her football boots.
Nigerians have reacted with a mixture of shock and love after Desire Oparanozie retired from football with immediate effect.
Per Pulse Sports Nigeria, the Super Falcons forward has called it quits from the game following a statement on Wednesday.
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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.
Oparanozie confirmed her retirement on her official social media account on Wednesday morning.
“It's time to take a bow, as I believe there's no better time than now,” she said.
Oparanozie’s retirement
The 29-year-old started her football journey in the Nigerian Women’s League, the NWFL, with South South side Bayelsa Queens.
She moved on to Delta Queens where the adventure to Europe began on loan in Turkey.
Desire returned to Delta Queens before moving to Europe permanently en route to stints in Russia, Germany and later on, France.
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The Super Falcons forward joined Wuhan Jianghan University last year which will now be her last club.
Oparanozie began her journey with the Nigeria Women’s team in 2010 and went on to become a key member of the team.
09:46 - 13.09.2023
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She has featured in four FIFA Women’s World, FIFAWWC, including the last one in Australia where she featured in the round of 16 clash against England and missed a penalty in the shootout.
Oparanozie, was capped 35 times for Nigeria and scored 22 goals, retires as a four-time African champion and one one Nigeria’s most enigmatic players ever.
18:47 - 09.09.2023
Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie the hero as Paris FC Knockout Arsenal from Champions League
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie continued her heroics from the World Cup, saving two penalties to helps Paris FC defeat Arsenal.
Nigerians react
Following her statement on X.com, Nigerians took to the comment section to make their feelings known.
It was a palette of surprise and an outpouring of love as they wished her well.
02:01 - 13.09.2023
OFFICIAL: Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre joins the Saudi train with Al Ittihad move
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