Desire Oparanozie: Super Falcons star calls time on international career at 29

The Super Falcons star has been on the periphery on in recent years, and she has now decided to hang her boots

Super Falcons star Desire Oparanozie has announced her retirement from football at the age of 29, Soccernet reports.

Oparanozie will go down as one of the best strikers to grace the Super Falcons squad. She burst onto the scene in 2010 when she made her debut for the Super Falcons.

She helped the Super Falcons to glory at the 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, scoring in the finals of two editions and winning the Golden Boot in 2014.

Oparanozie also attended the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cup. However, her status has been declining over the last two years, as she has gone from being a top player to being in the periphery.

Oparanozie had issues with the NFF prior to the World Cup, but she eventually made the squad. At club level, she has been on a steady decline, with her last stint being at Wuhan Jianghan University.

The 29-year-old striker has now revealed that she is calling time on her career. She shared this via her X page.

“To my fans, family, and friends, thank you for the show of love and support over the years,” Oparanozie said.

“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's retirement comes as a huge shock, considering the fact that she is just 29 years of age.