Super Falcons’ forward, Desire Oparanozie, has extended a heartfelt apology to fellow Nigerians for her inability to secure a goal from her penalty kick during the Round of 16 encounter against England at the FIFA Women’s World Cup held on Monday, August 7th, in Melbourne.
In a match that ultimately concluded with a 4-2 loss in penalties for Nigeria, the team’s aspirations to progress to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 were thwarted by England.
Despite a spirited effort, both nations remained scoreless throughout the regulation 90 minutes, and even after an additional 30 minutes of extra time, the scoreboard continued to bear no goals. The fate of Nigeria was ultimately sealed through a tense penalty shootout.
Displaying her emotions, Oparanozie, who unfortunately failed to convert her pivotal spot-kick, took to Instagram to share an image capturing her tearful moment. In a gesture of sportsmanship and humility, she conveyed her sincere regrets in the wake of the team’s defeat through the penalty shootout during the Round of 16.
Her heartfelt message read,
“Sad day! Very disappointing to have lost through penalties, and even more disappointing not to have converted mine. And for this, I deeply apologise.”
