Imo State Football Association (FA) will on Thursday, December 14, 2023 roll out drums to celebrate the former Super Falcons captain, Desire Oparanozie on her retirement from active football.
Imo FA chairman, Barr Ifeanyi Dike, disclosed this saying the FA had arranged a testimonial football match for Oparanozie on Thursday by 3pm at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri to mark her exit from an active football career after meritorious contributions to the round leather game in Nigeria and globally.
Dike, who made the disclosure when Oparanozie paid a courtesy visit to the FA executive committee on Monday, said Team Desire will play against the Imo Football legend before a teeming audience and dignitaries.
According to Dike, Oparanozie excelled and made the state proud during her football career from the U17 to the Super Falcons where she captained the team.
He said “Desire Oparanozie made us proud from under 17 team right to Super Falcons and despite the victimizations meted out against her, she excelled as the captain and in her football career.
“She has retired from active football and the Imo FA is ready to make noise over it. We know she was victimised for nothing but we are proud of her contributions and so we have organised this testimonial match to honour her, for her contributions to women football in Nigeria”, Dike said.
According to him, Imo state had produced about 70 percent of Falcons players adding that the state will reclaim her pride of place as the highest producer of football talents in Nigeria.
Imo FA Executive Member in charge of protocol, Jennifer Anusiem said the testimonial match was in recognition of Oparanozie’s many contributions in the state.
Anusiem said Oparanozie was passionate about girl child and women football, and is humble adding that the former international always spends her time in the state.
An elated Desire expressed her appreciation to the FA board for the recognition which she noted was the first for any player in the state.
She said “I feel honoured over this rare gesture which is the first in Imo state. Yes, Imo has pronounced about 70 percent of Falcons players and I’m happy to be part of them. I want to say thank you, because this is huge for me.
“I’m also grateful to you for making me a honourary member of Imo FA. I assure you that I will be available whenever needed and in whatever capacity”, Oparanozie said.
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