On Sunday 17 August 2025, worshippers at St. Sebastian & Rita Lafiaji, Lagos, were pleasantly surprised to spot one of Nigeria’s football icons in their midst — Desire Oparanozie, former captain of the Super Falcons. Known for her commanding presence on the pitch, Oparanozie has represented Nigeria at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups, lifted continental trophies, and inspired countless young girls to dream beyond societal limits. But beyond the roar of stadiums and the bright lights of international football, Desire is also a woman of deep Christian faith.
In this exclusive interview with The Choice Flame Newspaper, she shares her journey to stardom, the hurdles she faced as a female footballer, and how her walk with God shaped her career and continues to guide her life today.
The Choice Flame:Can you tell us a bit about your childhood and how you first fell in love with football?
Desire Oparanozie: : My childhood was normal just like every other kid back in the days. Except for my undying love and desire for football. I would always be seen among boys running around on the streets of Owerri playing football on bare feet. More often than not I’ll get chased and beaten, in a bit to stop me from playing. But I wouldn’t bulge. Football was passion for me.
I am from Imo State, Owerri municipal, Amawom in Umu-erekperenwa kindred, from the Oparanozie Family. Saint Paul’s Catholic Church Douglas Road, Owerri was my birth parish, sometimes we’ll worship at Asumpta Cathedral Onitcha road Owerri.
The Choice Flame:Growing up in Nigeria, what were some of the challenges you faced as a young girl pursuing football? Did you ever face opposition from family, community, or society for choosing football as a career?
Desire Oparanozie:Some of the challenges I faced were discriminatory, I was critised and accused of wanting to be a man because I chose football. My mum especially will always argure that girls don’t play football, and she’ll insult my coach and threaten him to leave me alone.
The Choice Flame:What was your proudest moment wearing the Nigerian jersey? What titles have you won? And clubs you’ve played for?
Desire Oparanozie: Everytime I wear the Nigerian jersey is a proud moment for me, it’s always an honour really. I’ve won the African Cup four times, the Chinese Women’s super league and the FA cup once, the Nigerian women’s football league and FA Cup twice.
I played for these Nigerian teams: Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens, Rossiyanka FC in Russia, VFL Wolfsburg in Germany, Attasire Belediyespor in Turkey, En Avant Guingamp, and DFCO Dijon in France, and Wuhan University Women’s team in China.
The Choice Flame:Which game or tournament would you say defined your career? And what was your best career goal?
Desire Oparanozie: I think the tournament that defined my career was the 2010 under 20 world cup in Germany, where we finished 2nd behind the host. I scored quite a couple of great goals, both with the national team and at the club level.
The Choice Flame:Women’s football often comes with its own struggles — from lack of recognition, racism to funding. What were the biggest obstacles you personally encountered?
Desire Oparanozie:There’re lots of struggles and challenges. Like you rightly mentioned, lack of recognition and inadequate funding are two out of the numerous problems.
The Choice Flame: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up football? If yes, what kept you going?
Desire Oparanozie: No, there’s never a time I felt like giving up football. Football is passion for me.
The Choice Flame: :We met you in church recently, and it struck us how deeply rooted you are in your Christian faith. How has your faith influenced your football journey?
Desire Oparanozie:I’ve been a strong believer in God, thanks to my Catholic background. All through my career journey, it’s God shining His light and leading me through every adversity. Hence, the reason I held onto my faith.
The Choice Flame:How did you balance the demands of professional football — the training, traveling, pressure — with your spiritual life? Were you able to attend holy mass on Sundays as a footballer?
Desire Oparanozie:As a professional footballer, balancing my spiritual life and my career was a bit difficult. It wasn’t easy. More often than not I couldn’t find time to attend mass, but I’ll always seek God’s presence in my private and quiet time.
The Choice Flame:Were there moments when your faith was tested as a footballer? How did you handle them?
Desire Oparanozie:No, there’s never a time.
The Choice Flame:What’s your favorite Catholic prayer/devotion?
Desire Oparanozie: It’s always the Rosary. The Rosary remains one of the foundation of my Catholic life, and it goes way back during my “Block Rosary days”.
The Choice Flame:What’s your favorite Bible passage?
Desire Oparanozie:My favourite bible passage is Isaiah 40 vs 31. It is a verse that speaks to the promise of renewed strength for those who put their hope in the Lord. It describes how those who wait for God will experience a transformation, symbolized by soaring like eagles (Ugo – which is my name), running without weariness, and walking without fainting.
The Choice Flame:Who is your favorite Catholic Saint?
Desire Oparanozie: Blessed Father Tansi.
The Choice Flame: Where there times when God came through for you through prayer in the field of play or life?
Desire Oparanozie:Countless times.
The Choice Flame: As captain of the Super Falcons, how did you inspire and manage your teammates, especially during high-pressure tournaments?
Desire Oparanozie:I inspired by leading with passion, empathy, and advocated for equality, playing a significant role in shaping the team’s culture and driving their success.
The Choice Flame:Looking back now, what legacy do you hope to leave for young Nigerian girls who dream of becoming footballers?
Desire Oparanozie:Now as a legend, I believe I left a legacy that inspires and empowers young Nigerian girls to pursue their dreams in football and in other works of life. Breaking barriers, Paving the way for future generations to overcome obstacles.
The Choice Flame:When did you retire and how has retirement (or stepping aside from active play) shaped your perspective on life?
Desire Oparanozie:I retired two years ago, just after the 2023 women’s world cup. Ever since I’ve experienced life differently, now living a normal life with the freedom to do things with no restriction, and living like normal people. Not knowing where my next meal will come from, I now work twice as much just like normal people.
The Choice Flame:Are there new passions or projects you’re pursuing now outside football?
Desire Oparanozie:: I’m now into business full time, Real Estate, importation, product supply, brand ambassadorship, freelance football analyst, influencing, football academy, talent development, NGO, etc.
The Choice Flame:Do you see yourself mentoring or going into coaching the next generation of female footballers?
Desire Oparanozie:Yes, of course. Coaching is something to consider going forward.
The Choice Flame:If you could give one message to young Nigerian girls in church today who have dreams, whether in football or other fields, what would it be?
Desire Oparanozie:Believe in yourself and your abilities, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. With hard work, determination, and faith, you can overcome any obstacle and reach your goals. Don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Your dreams are worth chasing, and your potential is limitless. Go out there and make it happen!
The Choice Flame:What advice do you have for the Church in Nigeria?
Desire Oparanozie:Alot of churches have derailed from the initial purpose of the meaning of church. On this note, my advice would be a return to biblical fundamentals. Emphasize biblical principles over prosperity gospel and materialism, focusing on stewardship, practicality, and service.
CONCLUSION
Desire Oparanozie’s story is one of grit, grace, and faith. From the dusty pitches of her childhood to the world stage of women’s football, she has carried the Nigerian flag with pride, courage, and conviction. Yet, she remains grounded in her Christian faith, reminding us that true success is not only about medals and trophies, but also about integrity, service, and inspiring others. As she looks forward to new chapters in life, one thing is clear: Desire Oparanozie’s journey will continue to echo as a testimony for young Nigerian girls — that with talent, hard work, and faith in God, the impossible can indeed become possible.
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