Omo — Nigerians shocked to see Super Falcons' Desire Oparanozie quit football at 29

Desire Oparanozie quits football. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Omo — Nigerians shocked to see Super Falcons' Desire Oparanozie quit football at 29

Izuchukwu Akawor 12:27 - 13.09.2023

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.

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
Oparanozie missed Nigeria's first penalty - Photo Credit || Imago

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.

Nigeria's Desire Oparanozie (Photo Credit/Imago)

Desire returned to Delta Queens before moving to Europe permanently en route to stints in Russia, Germany and later on, France.

The Super Falcons forward joined Wuhan Jianghan University last year which will now be her last club.

Oparanozie
A dejected Oparanozie and her Super Falcons teammates as England knock out Nigeria | Imago

Oparanozie began her journey with the Nigeria Women’s team in 2010 and went on to become a key member of the team.

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. 

Super Falcons of Nigeria star Desire Oparanozie
Oparanozie began her career in the NWFL. (Photo Credit: Imago)

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.

Nigerians react

Following her statement on X.com, Nigerians took to the comment section to make their feelings known.

Desire Oparanozie wins Chinese Women’s Super League. (Photo Credit: Imago)

It was a palette of surprise and an outpouring of love as they wished her well. 

Here are some of the reactions.

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