Ugochi Desire Oparanozie, fondly known as Desire Oparanozie, is a respected Nigerian footballer celebrated for her contributions on the field. Born on December 17, 1993, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, she has carved a remarkable path in the world of football, both nationally and internationally. Let’s take a closer look at her inspiring journey.
Desire Oparanozie Early Life and Education
Growing up in a Christian family of the Igbo tribe, Desire Oparanozie’s love for football took root during her childhood in Owerri. She nurtured this passion through her school days, ultimately making it her primary hobby. She successfully completed her primary and secondary education, showcasing her dedication not only to the sport but also to her studies.
Desire Oparanozie Emerging Career
Oparanozie’s football journey began with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship before she moved on to Delta Queens in 2010. In 2011, she briefly joined Düvenciler Lisesispor in the Turkish Women’s First Football League on loan, followed by her return to Delta Queens.
A significant step came in 2012 when she joined Rossiyanka in the Russian Women’s Football Championship. During the 2012–13 UEFA Women’s Champions League, she notably scored a goal in four matches.
She continued her journey by signing a two-year contract with Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg for the 2013–14 season. Her time there involved playing primarily for Wolfsburg’s second team, with limited appearances in the first team.
Subsequently, she joined Ataşehir Belediyespor for the second half of the Turkish Women’s First Football League in 2014. Her career then took her to Guingamp in the French Division 1 Féminine, where she even held the position of club captain for the 2019–20 season.
In 2020, she signed a two-year contract with Dijon FCO, marking another step in her illustrious career. Notably, Oparanozie’s devotion to the sport earned her a dedicated tribute from her fans, who named a bus-stop after her in Guingamp.
International Impact
Desire Oparanozie’s influence extended to the international stage. She showcased her talent in the junior international arena, scoring goals in both the 2010 and 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cups. Since 2010, she has been an integral part of the Nigerian national team, representing her country in the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments of 2011, 2015, and 2019.
In April 2019, Oparanozie’s leadership qualities led to her appointment as the captain of Nigeria’s national team, a role she embraced with discipline and character.
Advocacy and Achievements
Beyond her exceptional skills on the field, Oparanozie displayed her advocacy for gender equality in Nigerian football. As captain, she boldly addressed the issue of unequal pay between male and female footballers after the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Her commitment to fairness and parity inspired many.
She played pivotal roles in the African Women’s Championship tournaments of 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018, contributing to Nigeria’s victories in the latter two events.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Her legacy continues as she was named in the 23-player Nigerian squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, reinforcing her role as a stalwart in Nigerian football.
Desire Oparanozie Net Worth and Personal Life
Desire Oparanozie’s accomplishments have translated into an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. She is happily married to Velislav Rusev, although details about her husband remain private.
Desire Oparanozie’s journey from her humble beginnings to becoming a renowned figure in international women’s football is truly remarkable. Her contributions, both on and off the field, exemplify the power of dedication, passion, and advocacy in shaping a successful and impactful career.
