Desire Oparanozie bags Imo State FA honour
Former Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie has been conferred with an honourary member of the Imo State Football Association, the former Super Falcons captain confirmed via her X handle on Monday.
“Over the weekend I was conferred as an honorary member of the Imo State Football Association,” Oparanozie wrote.
“Special appreciation to the Imo State FA Chairman and it’s executive committee members for such an honour. A recognition I do no take for granted. Long live Imo State.“
Last week Oparanozie announced her retirement from professional football.
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The 29-year-old was part of the Super 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.
She helped the Falcons win four Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
She participated in four world cups 2011, 2015, and 2019 and the last one in Australia and New Zealand 2023.
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In April 2019, she was named the new captain of Nigeria by former Coach Thomas Dennerby who praised Oparanozie for her ‘discipline and good character’.
Following the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in her role as captain, she led calls for equal pay in Nigerian football citing disparity with the bonuses received by the team’s male counterparts.