The 29 year old Desire Ugochi Oparanozie, of Nigeria's Super Falcons, has declared her retirement from football for both her country and club.

Oparanozie was a member of the Nigerian side that competed in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which began in July and ended in August.

She tweeted on her X account, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, “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 has represented Nigeria several times.

She began her career with Bayelsa Queens and later moved on to Delta Queens and Düvenciler Lisesispor.

Oparanozie joined Rossiyanka in the Russian Women's Football Championship in 2012. She had a successful stay there, scoring a goal in the UEFA Women's Champions League. She then joined VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga for the 2013-14 season.