BY SAB OSUJI

Desire Oparanozie has finally called time on her footballing after a colourful testimonial novelty match Thursday at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Oparanozie would be just 30 on Sunday, 17 December and the beautiful game has built up an empire of fame, honour and recognition around her.

Team Desire slugged it out with The Legends during the Testimonial Match attended by who is who in sports in Imo State, including former Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Dan Ogu, Imo State Chairman of APC, Mcdonald Ebere, Imo FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman of Imo State Sports Commission, Eleanor Ogbonna among others.

Retired players were not in short supply at the event. Jonathan Ubanwa, Sylvester 'Ala-Owerri' Oparanozie, Obinna Obiaka, Casmir Mbachu (Heartland Executive Coordinator), goalkeeper Evans Ikwuegu amongst others, graced the fun-filled Desire Oparanozie Testimonial Match.

Oparanozie last played for Wuhan Jianghan University team, a Chinese Professional side (2022-2023) before her eventual retirement from active football.

On the domestic scene, Oparanozie featured for Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens before a move to Lüleburgaz of Norway in 2011.

From there, she proceded on a season long loan to  Rossiyanka in 2012/2013, then to Wolfsburg (2013/2014).

She also had career spells at Ataşehir Belediyespor of Turkey between 2014 and 2020 before penning a two-season deal with Chinese side,  Guingamp.

The Nigerian also played for Dijon before crossing over to Wuhan Jianghan University before her eventual retirement.

The 1.65ft striker has over 40 caps for Super Falcons and about 25 goals for the senior Women National Team.

During her National Team career, Oparanozie won the African Women's Championship with Super Falcons four time in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018.

In 2014, she won the African Women's Championship : Golden Boot, having earlier lifted the Nigerian Women's Championship title twice in 2011 and 2012 with Delta Queens of Asaba.