Oparanozie Speaks After Missed Penalty At Women’s World Cup

Super Falcons, veteran striker, Desire Oparanozie has apologized to Nigerians after failing to beat ten-woman Lionesses of England in the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Recall, Oparanozie, who was introduced into the game in extra time,  stepped up during penalties first for Nigeria, missing her kick.

The match had lasted for over 120 minutes on Monday, August 7, after 90 minutes of regular football and 30 minutes of extra time, the game ended 0-0 and had to be settled via penalties.

England, however, went on to score all their subsequent spot kicks, but Super Falcons’ second spot-kick taker, Michelle Alozie failed to score her kick.

Hence, the Super Falcons ended their promising run at the 2023 Women’s World Cup 4-2 on penalties.

Reacting to the defeat, Oparanozie via her social media handles apologized to Nigerians for the failed kick during the game.

She wrote: “Sad day! Very disappointing to have lost through penalties, and even more disappointing not to have converted mine. And for this I deeply apologise.”

The match that lasted for over 120 minutes on Monday, August 7, Nigeria had all the chances to overcome England especially after Lauren James was red carded in the 86th minute but they couldn’t do enough.

After 90 minutes of regular football and 30 minutes of extra time, the game ended 0-0 and had to be settled via penalties.

In the penalty shootout, the Super Falcons had a moral boosting start as England’s Georgia Stanway who was the first taker missed her kick.