Captain Oparanozie of the former Super Falcons retires at age 29

The forward started her career with the national squad in 2010, and throughout the years she developed into a crucial member of the group.

Desire Oparanozie, a former Super Falcons captain, has declared her retirement from the game of football.

Oparanozie, 29, made the startling disclosure on her X account, which was formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.

The striker wrote: “To my fans, family, and friends, thank you for the show of love and support throughout the years. I’m proud to have been a member of the Super Falcons squad that advanced to the second round of the just finished FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I think there’s no better moment than now, so let’s take a bow. I hereby formally announce my retirement from international and club football.

“Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, to every team and coach I’ve played for, to every teammate I’ve played with, and to every opponent I’ve faced,”

“Thank you football, Nigeria.”

In her final game for the Falcons, Oparanozie missed a penalty in a shootout as Nigeria lost to England in the round of 16 of the 2023 World Cup.

After an exciting 120 minutes of play that ended at 0-0, the Nigerian squad ultimately fell to England 4-2 in penalties.

The forward started her career with the national squad in 2010, and throughout the years she developed into a crucial member of the group.

It was Oparanozie’s fourth World Cup appearance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons team that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018 included Oparanozie as a member.

She started her club career at Bayelsa Queens and eventually joined Delta Queens before departing to play in Russia, China, and France.