Desire-Oparanozie
SportsTrending Story

 Just in: 29-year-old Oparanozie quits football

943
Former Super Falcons Captain, Ugochi Desire Oparanozie, says she has retired from football.
Aged 29, Oparanozie, the golden boot winner in the 2014 African women’s championship, thanked fans, family, and friends, for the love and support over the years.
She made this known on Wednesday on her official X page (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. Desire Ugochi Oparanozie.”

Persecondnews earlier reported that several Nigerian fans had called for her retirement after the 29-year-old sent her spot kick wide off the post in the Round of 16 game against England in the just concluded Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria crashed out of the tournament afterwards, while Oparanozie took to her social media handle to ask for forgiveness.

The former Wuhan Jianghan University FC star wrote on her official X account:  “Sad day! Very disappointing to have lost through penalties, and even more disappointing not to have converted mine. And for this I deeply apologize.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Hangs Up His Boots, Retires from International Football

Nigeria’s football legend, William Troost-Ekong, has announced his retirement from international football,...

Man City Survives Late Fulham Resurgence, With 5-4 Win at Craven Cottage

In a match that will be etched in the memories of fans...

AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman Lead the Charge, Eric Chelle Unveil 54-Man Squad

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced a 54-man provisional squad for...

AFCON 2025: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe Set for Thrilling Group B Showdown

Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is shaping...

AFCON 2025: Host Atlas Lions Face Fiery Challenge in Group A

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off...

2Face’s Marriage to Natasha in Turmoil After Dramatic Confrontation on Daddy Freeze’s Show

Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, appears to be...

Bafana Bafana Unveils Strong Squad for AFCON 2025

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, has announced its 25-man squad...

Nigeria’s D’Tigers Edge Rwanda in Overtime Thriller 75-69

Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, the D’Tigers, has secured a crucial 75-69 overtime...

Arsenal Holds Chelsea to 1-1 Draw at Stamford Bridge

Arsenal and Chelsea played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in their English...

Bayelsa and Kaduna to Host 2028, 2030 National Sports Festivals

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced Bayelsa and Kaduna as the...

CAF Unveils Match Officials for AFCON Morocco 2025

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the list of match...

D’Tigers Name Impressive Squad for 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, has announced its 12-man roster for the...

Chelsea 2-0 Win Over Burnley Moves Blues to Second on the Log

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea secured a convincing...

Nigeria Posts Record-Breaking 30-Medal Haul at Islamic Solidarity Games

Nigeria has achieved its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, concluding...

Bologna Stuns Udinese 3-0, Maduka Okoye’s Struggle Continues

Udinese suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Bologna in Saturday’s...

Liverpool Crushed 3-0 at Anfield, Slot’s Side Hit Rock Bottom

Liverpool’s title defence is in free fall, with a humiliating 3-0 loss...

Rivers United Fully Prepared for Pyramids in CAF Champions League Clash – Finidi George

Rivers United is set to face defending champions Pyramids FC in their...

Nigerian Athletes Shine at Islamic Solidarity Games, Brightening Future – AFN’s Aku Aghazu

Nigeria’s track and field athletes delivered a commendable performance at the 6th...

Palladino Pledges to Rebuild Atalanta Around Lookman

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Atalanta’s new head coach, Raffaele Palladino,...

Countdown Begins: West African Para Games Kicks Off in Abeokuta on Nov 26

Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, is currently buzzing with anticipation as it...