National Teams
Retired Nigeria star set for Ultimate Fighting Championship journey after football
By: Monsurah Olatunji
Recently retired Nigeria striker, Desire Oparanozie has hinted at considering the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as her next career chapter.
She made this known at an event in Lagos tagged ‘send Oparanozie off in style’ which was put together by Ladies In Sports International to celebrate her retirement.
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, her fourth since making her debut appearance in 2011.
The Owerri-born striker called time on a glittering career that saw her win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations four times and play at the senior Women’s World Cup four times.
She has played across many countries and continents and she even had a bus stop named after her in France, following her heroics at Guingamp.
When asked about what sport she would love to do after hanging her soccer boots which she used in netting 22 goals in 35 appearances for Nigeria, the former captain responded jokingly.
“I would love to try out UFC one day now that I am retired from football,” she said.
“It (retiring) 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.”
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