This weekend in Owerri, the heart of Imo State will beat louder for Nigerian sports as icons from across the nation gather at the prestigious City Cruz Hotel. Among those to be celebrated is one of Nigeria’s most admired football figures — Desire Ugochi Oparanozie, former captain of the Super Falcons, who will be honored with a Wakawaka Sports Award for her outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.
Oparanozie’s journey is one defined by resilience, leadership, and consistency. From the dusty pitches of Owerri to global stadiums under the lights of international tournaments, her rise in the world of football has inspired a generation.
Born in Owerri in December 1993, Oparanozie began her professional career with Bayelsa Queens before moving on to Delta Queens, where she quickly established herself as one of Nigeria’s most lethal forwards, helping the club to two league titles.
Her talent could not be contained within Nigerian borders. A series of international moves followed — to Turkey, Russia, Germany, and eventually France, where she spent six years with En Avant Guingamp and became not just a top scorer but club captain, earning the respect of fans and teammates alike. She later played for Dijon FCO and Wuhan Jianghan University FC in China before retiring in 2023.
Oparanozie’s legacy extends far beyond her club career. For over a decade, she was a consistent presence in the Super Falcons, helping Nigeria to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) four times — in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Her 2014 performance was particularly memorable as she claimed the Golden Boot with five goals.
But perhaps her most defining moment came off the pitch. As captain, she led a public call for equal pay and better treatment for women footballers in Nigeria — a bold move that sparked nationwide conversation and paved the way for structural change in Nigerian women’s football.
As she prepares to receive her award at City Cruz Hotel, Oparanozie remains humble. “It’s an honor to be recognized at home,” she said. “This award is not just for me — it’s for every girl who dreams of wearing the green jersey. I’m proud of what I’ve done, and even more excited for what the future holds for women’s football in Nigeria.”
The Wakawaka Sports Awards promise to be a night of celebration, reflection, and inspiration — and Desire Oparanozie’s name will be right at the center of it, as it should be.
