Desire Oparanozie is a former Nigerian professional footballer renowned for her prolific goal-scoring ability and leadership as a forward for both club and country.
Full Name: Ugochi Desire Oparanozie
Date of Birth: 17 December 1993
Nationality: Nigerian
Position: Forward
Status: Retired Nigerian Footballer
Date of Birth: 17 December 1993
Nationality: Nigerian
Position: Forward
Status: Retired Nigerian Footballer
A key figure in the Nigerian national team, she played in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and African Women’s Championships, earning numerous accolades for her contributions to women’s football.
Oparanozie’s club career spanned several countries, including Nigeria, Russia, Germany, Turkey, France, and China, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.
Desire Oparanozie: Early Life & Career Beginnings
Desire Oparanozie was born on December 17, 1993, and began her football career in Nigeria with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship.
In 2010, she moved to Delta Queens, marking the start of her rise in professional football.
Her talent quickly earned her a loan move to Düvenciler Lisesispor in the Turkish Women’s First Football League in 2011, where she gained international experience before returning to Delta Queens.
Delta Queens (2010–2012)
Oparanozie’s time at Delta Queens was highly successful, as she helped the team secure the Nigerian Women’s Championship titles in 2011 and 2012. Her performances established her as one of Nigeria’s brightest talents.
Rossiyanka (2012–2013)
In 2012, Oparanozie joined Russian club Rossiyanka, competing in the Russian Women’s Football Championship. She made four appearances in the 2012–13 UEFA Women’s Champions League, scoring one goal, which highlighted her potential on the European stage.
VfL Wolfsburg (2013–2014)
Oparanozie signed a two-year contract with Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg for the 2013–14 season. However, limited first-team opportunities saw her primarily feature for Wolfsburg’s second team. After half a season, she left the club in the winter transfer window.
Ataşehir Belediyespor (2014)
On 21 February 2014, Oparanozie returned to the Turkish Women’s First Football League, joining Ataşehir Belediyespor for the second half of the season.
Guingamp (2014–2020)
Oparanozie moved to French Division 1 club Guingamp for the 2014–15 season, where she became a pivotal player. Nigerian teammate Evelyn Nwabuoku joined her in the following season.
In 2019, Oparanozie was named club captain, leading Guingamp to a victory over Metz on the opening day of the season. Her long tenure and impact at Guingamp were honored by fans. A bus stop in the city was named after her after her departure.
Dijon FCO (2020–2022)
On 30 June 2020, Oparanozie signed a two-year contract with Dijon FCO in the French Division 1 Féminine, continuing her career in France with consistent performances.
Wuhan Jianghan University (2022)
Oparanozie joined Chinese Women’s Super League club Wuhan Jianghan University for the 2022 season, marking her final club stint before retiring from professional football.
Desire Oparanozie: International Career
Desire Oparanozie was a cornerstone of the Nigerian national team, known as the Super Falcons, from 2010 onward. Her international career was marked by participation in major tournaments and significant contributions to African women’s football.
Super Falcons journey: FIFA Women’s World Cup
Oparanozie represented Nigeria in the FIFA Women’s World Cups of 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, showcasing her consistency at the highest level. As captain in 2019, she advocated for equal pay in Nigerian football, highlighting disparities with the men’s team.
As a junior international, the forward excelled, scoring two goals in the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and three goals in the 2012 edition.
Oparanozie was also hugely instrumental in Nigeria’s victories at the African Women’s Championship (now known as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations) in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
She scored crucial goals in the finals of the 2014 and 2016 tournaments, earning the Golden Boot in 2014 for her outstanding performance.
Leadership and Advocacy
In April 2019, Oparanozie was named captain of the Nigerian national team by coach Thomas Dennerby. He rewarded her for her discipline and character.
As captain, she led by example both on and off the field. most notably, advocating for equal pay and better treatment for female footballers in Nigeria.
Desire Oparanozie: Achievements & Honours
African Women’s Championship: 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018
Nigerian Women’s Championship: 2011, 2012
African Women’s Championship Golden Boot: 2014
Desire Oparanozie’s career is defined by her goal-scoring prowess, leadership, and dedication to advancing women’s football.
Her contributions to Nigeria’s success in African and global competitions, combined with her advocacy for equality, have left a lasting impact.
The naming of a bus stop in Guingamp in her honor is testament to her popularity.
Oparanozie’s journey from Nigeria to top leagues in Europe and Asia serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.
Desire Oparanozie: Networth
According to the analysis made from different sources online, Desire Oparanozie has an estimated net worth of $1 million.
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Personal life
It is unclear whether Desire Oparanozie is in a relationship. However, during an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports, she was asked about her ideal type of man. Oparanozie replied,
“My ideal type of man must be presentable, outspoken, and learned.”
Social Media handles
Desire Oparanozie is very active on social media platforms. She has verified accounts on both Instagram and Twitter, with over 96,000 followers and 50,000 followers, respectively. You can follow her through the social media handles below.
- Instagram: @desireoparanozie
- Twitter: @oparanozie9
