Super Falcons forward Desire Ugochi Oparanozie calls time on international and club football career at age 29.
Oparanozie was part of the Nigerian squad that competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup from July to August.
In a post on Wednesday on her X account, formerly Twitter, she said, “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.”
Oparanozie enjoyed a successful career in the Chinese Women’s Super League, and also represented Nigeria’s national team on numerous occasions.
She began her career at Bayelsa Queens, before moving to Delta Queens and Düvenciler Lisesispor.
In 2012, Oparanozie made a move to Rossiyanka in the Russian Women’s Football Championship, where she enjoyed a fruitful period, competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and finding the net. Following her time there, she transferred to VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga for the 2013-14 season.