Nigerian football star Desire Ugochi Oparanozie has made a surprise announcement today, officially retiring from both international and club football at the age of 29. This decision comes as a shock to fans and the footballing community, as Oparanozie was still actively playing and had recently represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
In a statement posted on her X account (formerly Twitter), Oparanozie expressed her gratitude to her fans, family, and friends for their unwavering support throughout her career. She believes that the time has come to step away from the sport she loves.
"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," she said.
Thank you CAF❤ https://t.co/cRzatz1f2j
— oparanozie desire (@oparanozie9) September 14, 2023
Oparanozie has had a stellar career, with a track record that includes 22 goals in 35 games for the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons. Her goal-scoring prowess earned her the Golden Boot at the 2014 African Women's Cup of Nations. She was also a crucial part of Nigeria's Women's Africa Cup of Nations victories on four occasions.
Her contributions were not limited to international success; she achieved domestic glory as well, winning the Nigerian Women's Football League title twice. She has consistently been a force to be reckoned with on the football field.
The timing of her retirement has raised eyebrows, given her relatively young age and continued impact in the sport. However, Oparanozie took the opportunity to express her appreciation to the teams, coaches, and opponents who were part of her football journey.
"Thank you 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," she stated.
The 2014 African Women's Cup of Nations golden boot winner had come under immense pressure after missing a spot kick for Nigeria at the just concluded FIFA 2023 Women's World Cup when she came off the bench to miss against England.
◼️Scored 22 goals in 35 games for Nigeria
◼️Four time Women's Africa Cup of Nations winner
◼️Two time Nigerian Women's Football League winner
◼️2014 African Women's Cup of Nations Golden boot winner
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
— oparanozie desire (@oparanozie9) September 13, 2023
Here's the list of Desire Oparanozie's international games and goals for Nigeria arranged chronologically:
7 October 2010 - Makhulong Stadium, Tembisa, South Africa - Tanzania 3–0 (2010 African Women's Championship)
11 November 2010 - Sinaba Stadium, Daveyton, South Africa - Cameroon 2–0
14 November 2010 - Equatorial Guinea 2–1
16 June 2012 - Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria - Zimbabwe 2–0 (2012 African Women's Championship qualification)
24 May 2014 - Stade Régional Nyamirambo, Kigali, Rwanda - Rwanda 4–1 (2014 African Women's Championship qualification)
7 June 2014 - Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria - Rwanda 3–0
7 June 2014 - Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria - Rwanda 4–0
7 June 2014 - Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria - Rwanda 6–0
11 October 2014 - Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek, Namibia - Ivory Coast 3–1 (2014 African Women's Championship)
11 October 2014 - Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek, Namibia - Ivory Coast 4–2
14 October 2014 - Zambia 3–0
14 October 2014 - Zambia 5–0
25 October 2014 - Cameroon 1–0
26 November 2016 - Limbe Stadium, Limbe, Cameroon - Kenya 4–0 (2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations)
29 November 2016 - South Africa 1–0
3 December 2016 - Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé, Cameroon - Cameroon 1–0
11 June 2018 - Agege Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria - Gambia 1–0 (2018 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualification)
11 June 2018 - Agege Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria - Gambia 3–0
11 June 2018 - Agege Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria - Gambia 4–0
11 June 2018 - Agege Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria - Gambia 6–0
21 November 2018 - Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Cape Coast, Ghana - Zambia 1–0 (2018 Women's Africa Cup of Nations)
24 November 2018 - Equatorial Guinea 5–0
24 November 2018 - Equatorial Guinea 6–0
11 April 2023 - Marden Sports Complex, Alanya, Turkey - New Zealand 3–0 (Friendly)
Desire Oparanozie's international career spanned a wide range of matches, from African Women's Championships to friendly games, showcasing her talent and impact on the Nigerian women's national team.
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