Godwin Okpara (born September 20, 1972 in Lagos) is a former football defender. Capped for Nigeria, he was part of the team that participated in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Okpara was outstanding at the 1989 U-17 World Championship, and moved to Belgian club Beerschot. After some years of relative success, for instance winning the Belgian Ebony Shoe, he moved to play in France for RC Strasbourg and Paris SG. His second season in the latter club was miserable, making him return to Belgium and Standard Liège. Okpara retired after the 2003-04 season.

[edit] Prison

In August 2005, Okpara was arrested by French police on charges of raping his 13 year-old stepdaughter.^[1] He was found guilty and imprisoned in June 2007.^[2][3]

[edit] Playing career

• 1989 : Obanta United
• 1989-90 : Beerschot (1/0)
• 1990-91 : Beerschot (20/0)
• 1991-92 : K.S.C. Eendracht Aalst (30/1)
• 1992-93 : K.S.C. Eendracht Aalst
• 1993-94 : K.S.C. Eendracht Aalst
• 1994-95 : K.S.C. Eendracht Aalst (32/0)
• 1995-96 : K.S.C. Eendracht Aalst (26/4)
• 1996-97 : RC Strasbourg (34/4)
• 1997-98 : RC Strasbourg (30/2)
• 1998-99 : RC Strasbourg (32/0)
• 1999-00 : Paris Saint-Germain (15/0)
• 2000-01 : Paris Saint-Germain (4/0)
• 2001-02 : Standard Liège (30/1)
• 2002-03 : Standard Liège (27/0)
• 2003-04 : Standard Liège (10/0)

[edit] References

[edit] External references

• Nigerian Players

v • d • e Nigeria squad – 1998 FIFA World Cup 1 Rufai • 2 Oparaku • 3 Babayaro • 4 Kanu • 5 Uche • 6 West • 7 Finidi • 8 Adepoju • 9 Yekini • 10 Okocha • 11 Lawal • 12 W. Okpara • 13 Babangida • 14 Amokachi • 15 Oliseh • 16 Okafor • 17 Eguavoen • 18 Oruma • 19 Iroha • 20 Ikpeba • 21 G. Okpara • 22 Baruwa • Coach: Milutinović