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Oparanozie hints at career in UFC

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 24, 2023

Ex-Super Falcons star Desire Oparanozie has said she may consider a career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, popularly known as UFC, now that she is retired from playing football, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

She teasingly made this known during an event tagged ‘off in style’ which was put together to celebrate her retirement.

Oparanozie last month brought an end to her illustrious career after she announced her retirement from both country and club football at the age of 29.

The forward called time on a glittering career that saw her win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations four times, play at the World Cup four times. She also had a bus stop named after her in France, following her heroics at Guingamp.

Before her retirement, Oparanozie made 35 appearances for the Super Falcons and scored 22 goals.

The Owerri-born striker started her football journey in the Nigerian Women’s League with Bayelsa Queens, before moving on to Delta Queens in 2010, from where her adventure to Europe began on loan to Turkey.

Oparanozie last played for Chinese Women’s Super League club Wuhan Jianghan University for the 2022 season, before she bowed out after injuries ravaged the latter part of her career.

Now away from the pitch, the 29-year-old, while not so serious about her next move, hinted that she could venture into UFC.

“I would love to try out UFC one day now that I am retired from football,” she said.

The 29-year-old was part of the Falcons squad that featured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

It was her fourth appearance at the World Cup after making her debut at the 2011 edition in Germany.

While people were rooting for her to lead Nigeria to next year’s Olympics in Paris, Oparanozie announced her retirement, much to the disappointment of many fans.

The former Bayelsa Queens striker admitted that she left the game early but was pleased with her decision.

“It was something I had thought all over, I know I left the game early and I have not really had the opportunity to apologise to my fans.

“It is something that is definitely going to happen but a lot of people are not happy that I left the game too early but I want to thank them for the love they showed me.”

Oparanozie was recently made an honourary member of the Imo State Football
Association.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 24, 2023