Desire-Oparanozie
SportsTrending Story

 Just in: 29-year-old Oparanozie quits football

959
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

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Touch Down in Fès, Ready for Battle

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has touched down in Fès,...

From Grace To Grass? Ahmed Musa, Eagles' Captain stages come back to Kano Pillars FC after failing to secure foreign contract

Nigeria’s Football Legend Ahmed Musa Retires from International Football

Nigeria’s most capped international, Ahmed Musa, has officially announced his retirement from...

FIFA Unveils Record-Breaking Prize Money for 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history with a...

DR Congo Hits Back at Nigeria’s FIFA Petition, Warns Against Backdoor Tactics

The Democratic Republic of Congo has responded strongly to Nigeria’s petition to...

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Camp Swells to 26 Players

The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo has swelled to 26 players following...

Defensive Woes Haunt Super Eagles in Egypt Friendly Ahead of AFCON 2025

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat to Egypt in a friendly...

Ousmane Dembele Crowned Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2025

Ousmane Dembele has been named the Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2025,...

Mbappe Wins Landmark Case Against PSG, Awarded €61m

A French labor court has ruled in favor of Kylian Mbappe, ordering...

Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams Revived as FIFA Investigates DR Congo Over Ineligible Players

Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received...

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Camp Swells to 24 Ahead of Egypt Friendly

The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo has received a boost with the...

AFCON 2025: Francis Uzoho Becomes First Player to Report to Super Eagles Camp

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations got a boost...

‘Walk Alone’ No More: Salah Seeks Exit Amidst Liverpool Hierarchy Rift

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman since 2017, has sensationally requested to leave the...

Abuja Half Marathon success suggests improved security in Nigeria, says Dikko

The successful staging of the Premium Trust Bank Abuja City International Half...

Kenyans Dominate Abuja City Half Marathon, Take Home $25,000

Kenyan athletes made a clean sweep of the men’s and women’s categories...

Ghana Gets Tough Draw in 2026 World Cup Group Stage

The Black Stars of Ghana have been handed a challenging group in...

Abuja City Half Marathon: Organizers Announce Official Take-Off Time, Routes

“We will continue to deliver World-class sports events and Saturday’s race will...

Abuja City Half Marathon Set to Attract Elite Talent From Kenya, Uganda, Others

The Abuja City Half Marathon is set to host athletes from 13...

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...