TheCable

A product of Delta Queens and Bayelsa Queens, Desire Ugochi Oparanozie’s rise to the top of women’s football has been organic and full of ups and downs.

In 2013, the striker left Rossiyanka, in Russia, in a move to German side, Wolfsburg, but she struggled to tie down a regular shirt.

After half a season, Oparanozie was compelled to terminate her contract and make a switch to Guingamp, France, where she has found “enough motivation to deliver”.

In this interview with TheCable, the Super Falcons forward speaks on her Wolfsburg experience, milestones in her career thus far, and a social media post that gave life to speculations about her relationship status.

Looking back at your career so far, how fulfilled are you?

Though I’ve had a successful career, I won’t entirely say I’m fulfilled because I still believe there’s room for improvement and that gets me working extra hard.

How has life been at Guingamp and how important was it for you to get the number nine jersey?

Guingamp is more like a family. I feel very much at home here. And that’s more than enough motivation to always give my best in every game weekend. And wearing that No.9 shirt is a double motivation, extra strength to deliver as a forward player.

How did your football career begin?

Bayelsa Queens was an inaugural ground for me, you know… like a kick-off. That’s the team that gave me a chance on the national team scene.

Your first major achievement was winning the Nigerian women championship in 2011 and 2012. How was that experience?

Very great. You know as a teenager, it was a dream come true, with lots of excitements and indescribable feelings.

How special was winning the African women’s championship golden boot?

I’m not particularly about individual accolades. It’s a honour, no doubt, but what’s more special is winning the trophy for the team.

Oparanozie with her golden boot plaque

Did you imagine your career will be this huge?

No. During my early days, I had no idea. It’s pure passion. But with time I realised how good I was, having made lots of progress, I began to understand how unique it is.

You moved to Wolfsburg in 2013 but only played a few games. What happened?

Wolfsburg didn’t give me enough challenge. I had to leave because I wanted where I can battle and fight more as that’s the only way to access if I’m improving or not.

Who do you idolise in football?

My idols are Mercy Akide and Abby Wambach. From the male side are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney.

Ibrahimovic

Most female footballers love dressing up in male garbs, why is that so?

There are lots of people who dress the way they want, and in what they feel comfortable in. It’s a personal thing, and I don’t think it’s exclusive to just female footballers.

We recently saw a ring on your finger in a social media post. Any wedding plans?

I would want to believe rings aren’t made just for the purpose of marriage. I remember I made that post without a caption, and the number of congratulatory messages I got to that effect baffled me. Well, that was fashion for me. I wore and still wear it for the sole reason of fashion. That’s all there is to it.

What does your native name ‘Ugochi’ mean?

You know what they said about the eagle being the chief over all the winged creatures; it is man’s connection to the divine because it flies higher than any other bird. Ugochi simply means ‘God’s eagle’.