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Desire Oparanozie Wallpapers-Club-Country |
Desire Oparanozie has said her match winner against Mexico female U20 team was “the most important goal of my career”.
Oparanozie’s extra time winner was all Nigeria needed to book a semi-final ticket at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Japan on Thursday.
It was the only goal of a tension-soaked World Cup quarterfinal and it did not come till the 109th minute after the full 90 minutes failed to produce a goal.
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Desire Oparanozie Wallpapers-Club-Country |
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Desire Oparanozie Wallpapers-Club-Country |
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Desire Oparanozie Wallpapers-Club-Country |
It was substitute Ebere Orji whose pass found the head of Oparanozie, who used all her strength to nod the ball into the net. The player's first attempt had hit the upright in the first half to the disappointment of the fans.
"This is the most important goal of my career," said Oparanozie, who has scored two goals at this tournament.
She also said the level of opposition was expected.
"I knew all eyes were going to be on me, but thank God l was able to get the decisive and most crucial goal," she said.
Asked if playing at extra time was anticipated, she said," I never imagined it but that is football for you. When you expect the goals to come, they don't.”