Desire Oparanozie, born Ugochi Desire Oparanozie on December 17, 1993, is a revered figure in Nigerian football, known for her prowess as a forward both internationally and in club football. Let’s delve into the life and career of this talented athlete.
Desire Oparanozie Early Life and Education:
Hailing from Owerri, Imo State, in the southeastern region of Nigeria, Desire Oparanozie was born into a Christian family of the Igbo tribe. From a young age, she displayed a remarkable affinity for football, which eventually became her primary passion. Despite her dedication to the sport, Oparanozie also prioritized her education, completing both primary and secondary schooling.
Desire Oparanozie Career Journey:
Oparanozie’s football journey commenced at Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship before she made a significant move to Delta Queens in 2010. Her talent soon caught international attention, leading to a loan spell at Düvenciler Lisesispor in the Turkish Women’s First Football League in 2011. She later returned to Delta Queens before embarking on a series of notable moves to clubs across Europe, including Rossiyanka in Russia and VfL Wolfsburg in Germany’s Bundesliga.
In 2014, Oparanozie joined Guingamp in the French Division 1 Féminine, where she left an indelible mark as a player and leader. Her exceptional performance saw her named club captain for the 2019–20 season. Following her stint at Guingamp, she signed a two-year contract with Dijon FCO in June 2020.
Continuing her quest for excellence, Oparanozie joined Wuhan Jianghan University in the Chinese Women’s Super League for the 2022 season, further solidifying her status as a global football icon.
International Success:
Since 2010, Oparanozie has been a vital asset to the Nigerian national team, representing her country in multiple FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments. Her leadership qualities were recognized in April 2019 when she was appointed as the captain of Nigeria’s national team.
Advocacy and Impact:
Beyond her achievements on the field, Oparanozie has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in football. As captain of the Nigerian team, she championed for equal pay, shedding light on the disparities between bonuses received by female players compared to their male counterparts.
Desire Oparanozie Personal Life:
Desire Oparanozie is married to Velislav Rusev, although details about her husband remain relatively private.
Desire Oparanozie Net Worth:
Desire Oparanozie’s illustrious football career has contributed to her estimated net worth of $1.5 million, reflecting her success and influence in the world of football.
FAQ:
1.What is Desire Oparanozie’s net worth?
Desire Oparanozie’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, a testament to her achievements and contributions to football.
2.What teams has Desire Oparanozie played for?
Oparanozie has played for various clubs across different leagues, including Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens, Rossiyanka, VfL Wolfsburg, Guingamp, Dijon FCO, and Wuhan Jianghan University.
3.What is Desire Oparanozie’s role in advocating for gender equality?
As captain of the Nigerian national team, Oparanozie has been a staunch advocate for equal pay in football, highlighting the need for fair treatment of female players