Nigerian female football icon, Desire Oparanozie unexpectedly announced her retirement from the game at the age of just 29. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has paid respect to Oparanozie.
The Women’s AFCON champion, Oparanozie capped a remarkable 13-year career in which she played for nine different clubs and garnered a passionate fan base.
Desire Oparanozie
Oparanozie played a significant role in the Super Falcons throughout her remarkable career. She helped the team advance to the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they were eventually eliminated by England in a penalty shootout. Oparanozie famously missed the vital penalty that terminated Nigeria’s World Cup campaign, which might have influenced her choice to leave the sport entirely.
“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…” pic.twitter.com/QClEeujx8C
Despite the abruptness of her retirement, Oparanozie was recognized and praised by several people, including Ashleigh Plumptre, a player with the Super Falcons, who regarded Oparanozie as a natural leader on the field.
Additionally, CAF publicly highlighted Oparanozie’s great achievements in African football in a message shared on social media in honour of her remarkable career. They wrote,
“It’s been an honour. An outstanding professional football career path has come to an end for the amazing Desire Oparanozie. What a journey!”
The impact Oparanozie has had on African football is undeniable. In 2014, she won the Golden Boot title as the best scorer after competing in four Women’s AFCON tournaments, winning all four, and scoring the game-winning goal in the championship match. As one of the most accomplished and admired players in women’s football, her retirement signals the end of an era for the sport in Nigeria and across the continent.
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