Super Falcons of Nigeria forward, Desire Oparanozie has apologised to Nigerians for her spot-kick miss for Nigeria, in their FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 game against England on Monday.
Desire Oparanozie who was playing her first game at the tournament, came in in the second half of the game against England, could not help the team in the attack, even with England playing with a man down after they lost their key player Lauren James from a reckless red card.
After a goalless draw, it came down to penalty shootouts.
Georgia Stanway blasted the first penalty wide for England, and it was the turn of Nigeria to take the advantage and momentum, but coming up for Nigeria for the first spot kick, Desire just like Georgia Stanway wasted that opportunity, and blasted hers away. And it was another miss for Nigeria in the second spot kick, as Michelle Alozie who has been one of the best players in the tournament, failed to hit the target and Nigeria will end up losing 4-2 on penalties, and out of the FIFA world cup.
Taking to her social media handle, Desire Oparanozie posted a snap of her sobbing alongside the captain of the Super Falcons and goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie captioned the photo with this message to Nigerians:
“Sad day! Very disappointing to have lost through penalties, and even more disappointing not to have converted mine. And for this I deeply apologise,” she said.
The Super Falcons although are out of the world cup, did well, as they were the best side against England, as the likes of Michelle Alozie threatened from a corner before Ashleigh Plumptre twice came close to breaking the deadlock.
Plumptre, who represented England at the youth level before switching allegiances in 2021, was denied by the crossbar with Mary Earps beaten before the Manchester United goalkeeper reacted well to push a shot wide.
England’s first chance of note fell to Alessia Russo but Arsenal’s new signing was denied by Chiamaka Nnadozie before Nigeria’s goalkeeper palmed away a Rachel Daly volley.