EXCLUSIVE: I Came From Poorest Family But France ’98 Bonuses Helped Me Build Mum’s House, Train Six Sisters In University — Mobi Oparaku

Former Super Eagles Defender Shares Humble Beginnings

 

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Mobi Oparaku, a former Super Eagles defender and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games men’s football gold medallist with Nigeria’s U23 Dream Team I, has exclusively told Completesports.com how his appearance bonuses from the France 1998 FIFA World Cup transformed his entire family’s life.

Oparaku: ‘I Came From The Poorest Family In The World’

Oparaku revealed that, despite overwhelming odds, divine providence saw him make the final squad for the 1998 World Cup — a breakthrough that enabled him to build a house for his mother and sponsor his six sisters through university.

“I came from the poorest family in the whole world,” began ‘Mobile Mobi’, as he is fondly called by fans.

“When I say the poorest, I mean in every possible way you can imagine. But football changed all of that — not just for the better, but for the best.

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“And it’s all down to God’s providence. These days, if a conversation doesn’t glorify God, I simply walk away.

“There were seven of us — six girls and only me as the boy. Yes, I’m the only son in a family of seven children.

“But through God’s grace and football, my life took a different path. I started with the U13 and U15 teams here in Owerri, Imo State. We lived just behind the stadium.”

Giving Back Even As A Youth Player

“Back then, we received 50 kobo as allowances. I’d rush home to give it to my mum so she could support the family. I was content with camp food.”

“From there, I moved to the national U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, then the U20 Flying Eagles, and later the U23 side, with whom we won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics — the first by any African country in men’s football.”

Oparaku’s Big Break: France ’98 World Cup

“Still, God wasn’t done with me. Then came the big one — the 1998 World Cup in France. It was unbelievable,” Oparaku recounted on the sidelines of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Promotion Playoffs at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

Now Technical Director of Kun Khalifat FC, a second-tier NNL club in Owerri, and former Heartland FC Team Manager, Oparaku revealed he nearly missed the World Cup due to a last-minute change in the squad list.

‘I Was Put On The Standby List For 1998 World Cup’

“I played throughout the qualifiers but was dropped to the standby list for the main tournament. At the time, I was playing for Capellen FC in Belgium’s second division. When I got the news, I told my manager I wasn’t interested anymore. But he insisted, ‘Do you know what the World Cup means?’”

“Before I knew it, he was working on my travel documents to join the team in Switzerland.”

A Twist Of Fate for Oparaku

“Just a week before the tournament, the Super Eagles had a friendly in Holland. I was in the stands as a standby player. During the match, Jerome Shakpoke picked up a shoulder injury, and Augustine Eguavoen had issues with both knees.”

“Then, the Protocol Officer, Kashimawo Laloko, approached me and said, ‘Prepare yourself, you’ll be starting our first game against Spain.’ I thought it was a joke.”

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“Back at the hotel, they even placed a police officer at my door to prevent me from leaving. Later, Laloko returned, hung my accreditation tag around my neck, and said, ‘Congratulations, my son.’”

Facing Spain On The World Stage

“That’s how I ended up starting against one of Europe’s biggest teams, Spain. Sadly, after that match, they began playing Mutiu Adepoju at right-back. I was sidelined but remained with the team, enjoying my allowances,” Oparaku recalls his bittersweet experience as 1998 FIFA World Cup player.

Football Changed My Family’s Destiny – Oparaku

“After the tournament, we were paid a total of $50,000 in appearance fees and bonuses. I gave out $10,000 to people and used the remaining $40,000 to build a good house for my mother and sisters. My mum was overjoyed.”

“I also ensured that all six of my sisters graduated from university. Today, they are all doing well, and I’m proud of what football has done for my family,” Oparaku said.

By Sab Osuji