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By Ebenezer Bajela.
There was massive jubilation among some football faithful following the return of displaced Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie to the national team ahead of the country’s pre-World Cup friendlies in Turkey next month, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Head coach, Randy Waldrum, on Sunday released the list of the invited for friendlies against Haiti women’s national team and World Cup co-hosts New Zealand.
The exhibition in Turkey is part of the Nigeria Football Federation’s plan to prepare the Falcons for the World Cup scheduled holds July 20 to August 20.
The biggest news, however, was the return of Oparanozie, who plays in the Chinese Women’s Super League for Wuhan Chegu Jianghan, after she had been frozen out of the team since 2021.
The Chinese-based striker on Tuesday took to social media to express her delight.
“The show of love and support I’ve received these past days has been incredibly overwhelming,” she wrote on her Twitter page.
“I’m thankful to every one of you for your genuine support. My best will be your reward.”
Fans immediately responded by congratulating and celebrating the 29-year-old return to the Falcons team.
Emmanuel Tobi wrote, “We are so proud of you! You know I love you and Nigerians love and believe so much in you!”
Adekanye Joseph added, “Congratulations senior baller. I am rooting for you.”
Excited with Oparanozie’s return, Investor Keo in his tweet is eagerly anticipating to see the striker on the pitch.
“She’s back. We can now see the goals and agility; I will definitely watch the games. Congrats my super baller,” he wrote.
“Welcome back, Falcons need u badly and the whole of Nigeria has missed you badly,” Vincent Fasae.
Onyeagba Kingsley was also expressed his excitement to see the Chinese-based striker return to the national team.
He said, “I’m so delighted to see our Stargirl back in the fold, Desire Ugochi Oparanozie.”