How Nigeria’s Godwin Okpara was jailed over sexual assault of adopted daughter

The career of Godwin Okpara once promised the kind of football story young Nigerian players dream about.

A strong and disciplined defender, he rose through the ranks to represent the Nigeria national team and played at the highest level of the sport.

He was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and enjoyed spells in Europe with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, RC Strasbourg Alsace, and Standard Liège.

For years, Okpara’s life appeared stable. After his playing career, he settled in France with his family, far from the noise of stadiums and the pressure of professional football.

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But behind the quiet life was a story that would later shock both the football world and the Nigerian public.

In 2005, Okpara was arrested in France following serious allegations made by a girl the family had adopted from Nigeria.

The young woman claimed she had been taken to Europe with promises of education and a better life. Instead, she alleged that she was subjected to years of abuse in the household.

French authorities launched a full investigation, and the case eventually went to court. In 2008, a French court found Okpara guilty of rape, sexual assault, and violence involving the minor.

He was initially sentenced to 13 years in prison. His wife, Linda Okpara, was also convicted for her role in the abuse and mistreatment of the girl.

The ruling stunned many who remembered Okpara as a quiet and disciplined footballer.

After an appeal process and further legal proceedings, his prison sentence was later reduced to about seven years.

Throughout the ordeal, Okpara consistently denied the accusations, insisting he never had sexual relations with the girl and claimed he was rarely present at home because of his football career.

After serving his sentence, he eventually returned to Nigeria and has since lived largely out of the public eye.

Once known for his performances on the pitch, Okpara’s name today remains tied to one of the most disturbing scandals ever involving a former Nigerian international footballer.

FKA/JE

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