Desire Oparanozie has apologised to Nigerian fans for missing her penalty in the 4-2 shootout loss to England in the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Monday.
The Super Falcons were able to keep England at bay for 120 minutes at Lang Park in Brisbane and the game ended 0-0.
When it came to penalties, Oparanozie missed Nigeria’s first after Georgia Stanway missed England’s first kick. Michelle Alozie however missed Nigeria’s second and England scored their remaining with Chloe Kelly converting the winning penalty.
Taking to Twitter, Oparanozie said: “Sad day! Very disappointing to have lost through penalties, and even more disappointing not to have converted mine. And for this, I deeply apologise.”
Sad day! Very disappointing to have lost through penalties, and even more disappointing not to have converted mine. And for this I deeply apologise. pic.twitter.com/Pf98NZwyhQ
— oparanozie desire (@oparanozie9) August 7, 2023
Oparanozie game off the bench to replace Toni Payne in the 114th minute to make her first appearance at this Women’s World Cup having battled with injury and fitness problems.
The Super Falcons exit the tournament by avoiding defeat over 120 minutes in each of their games, scoring three goals, conceding two goals and keeping three clean sheets.
