Football Changed me for the best, despite my poor background – Mobi Oparaku
Former Super Eagles and the Technical Director of Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, Mobi Oparaku says : ‘I Came From Poorest Family But France ’98 Bonuses Helped Me Build Mum’s House, Train Six Sisters In University’.
“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.
“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.
“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”.
On France ’98: “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.
“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’.
“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.
“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”.