Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie has announced her retirement from the game.
The 29-year-old announced the news on her X account on Wednesday.
“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.
“Desire Ugochi Oparanozie.”
Oparanozie began her career in the Nigerian Women’s Championship with Bayelsa Queens before moving to Delta Queens in 2010.
In 2011, she went on loan to Düvenciler Lisesispor in the Turkish Women’s First Football League for two months before returning to Delta Queens.
Her previous team was Wuhan Jianghan University of the Chinese Women’s Super League.
She represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, when the Falconets reached the final but were defeated 2-0 by hosts Germany.
She made her Super Falcons debut in 2010 and scored 22 goals in 35 matches.
Oparanozie has been a member of Super Falcons’ squads that have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
She has also appeared in four FIFA Women’s World Cups: 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
