Former Super Falcons’ Captain Oparanozie Retires At 29

Desire Oparanozie, a former captain of the Super Falcons, has officially announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 29.

She made this announcement on her X account (formerly known as Twitter), surprising her fans and the football community. The striker was a prominent figure in the Nigerian national team, starting her career with the Super Falcons in 2010 and playing a vital role for many years. She expressed her gratitude to her fans, family, friends, teammates, coaches, and opponents for their support throughout her career. Her retirement came after her last appearance for the Super Falcons in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Unfortunately, she missed a penalty during a penalty shootout in the round of 16 match against England, which led to Nigeria's elimination from the tournament. The match ended in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of play, with England winning 4-2 on penalties. Oparanozie had an impressive international career, with the 2023 World Cup being her fourth World Cup appearance, Channels TV reports. She was also a part of the Super Falcons team that achieved success in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), winning the tournament in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Before playing in Russia, China, and France, she began her club career at Bayelsa Queens and later joined Delta Queens. Her retirement marks the end of a successful and impactful career in women's football, both for club and country. The striker, who was part of the Super Falcons team that reached the second round of the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup, wrote: “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. “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.” https://twitter.com/oparanozie9/status/1701890361285554407