Super Falcons forward Oparanozie announces retirement from football

<p>Super Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie has announced her retirement from professional football.</p>, <p>The 29-year-old made the announcement on social media on Wednesday morning.</p>, <p>“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.</p>, <p>“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.”</p>, <p>The forward started her career at Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship.</p>, <p>Oparanozie came into the limelight after featuring for Nigeria’s Falconets at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010.</p>, <p>She was part of the Super Falcons squad that won the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.</p>, <p>The striker scored 22 goals in 35 appearances for Nigeria.</p>, <p>She played for clubs in Turkey, Russia, Germany, France and China.</p>, <p>Oparanozie was part of Super Falcons squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.</p>