Ballon d’Or nominees, Okobi, Aiyegbeni, Onazi, others react to Desire Oparanozie’s retirement announcement

Super Falcons striker, Desire Oparanozie called time on her footballing career yesterday and it has sparked a wide range of reactions…

Former Bayelsa Queens forward, Desire Oparanozie, has recently announced her exit from the beautiful game of football after a career that spanned fourteen years,Soccernet.ng reports.

Many Nigerian footballer stars rushed under her social media comment section to commend Desire on her awesome career throughout her

The forward won two AWCON titles and scored goals whenever she was called upon for the Super Falcons, and injuries played a huge role in her getting limited playing time at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, as she missed a spot kick in the penalty shoot-out against eventual finalists, England.

Her club career saw her travel across several countries. She played for VFL Wolfsburg in Germany, En Avant Guingamp, and Dijon FC in France, and the Wuhan Jianghan University in China.

Other Nigerian footballers, like Ballon d'Or nominees, Asisat Oshoala and Victor Osimhen, and Ex-Super Eagles stars, Ogenyi Onazi, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, applauded the striker who donned the Nigerian jersey nothing less than thirty-five times, making the Nation proud on several occasions.

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

On her Instagram account, Super Eagles defender, Chidozie Awaziem commented. He said; “What a career! You've been a leader and a good example to us. Thank you and good luck in your next adventure.”

Her now ex-teammates, Osinachi Ohale, Onome Ebi, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Ucheibe Christy felt sad that she's taken the decision to close the curtains on her career, and it's very clear that the striker will be sorely missed.