Former Super Eagles defender and Owerri-born football legend, Mobi Oparaku, has been selected to perform the ceremonial kick-off of the opening fixture of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season between Heartland FC and Crown FC.

The Conference A encounter is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Imo State.

Oparaku’s selection is considered a fitting and symbolic recognition of his remarkable contribution to Nigerian football, as well as his strong connection to the city of Owerri, where his football journey began.

The former international hails from Umunkwocha, Umuonyeche, in Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State. He began his professional career with Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now known as Heartland FC, at a time when the club’s base was located just behind the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

From his early days in Owerri, Oparaku went on to build an impressive career, featuring for clubs in Belgium, the United States of America and Jamaica. He later returned to Nigeria, where he won the league title and Federation Cup with Enyimba.

At international level, Oparaku was part of several landmark achievements for Nigerian football.

He was a member of the Golden Eaglets squad that won the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan before becoming part of the historic Dream Team that clinched the Olympic gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Games.

He also represented the Super Eagles at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, further establishing his place among Nigeria’s notable football figures.

His achievements as an Olympian, World Cup participant and former Heartland player make his involvement in the season opener particularly significant, especially as the NNL begins another campaign aimed at providing opportunities for clubs and emerging talents to progress in Nigerian football.

The ceremonial kick-off will also offer football supporters in Owerri an opportunity to celebrate one of their own, whose career has taken him from the city to the international stage.

Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers at the Dan Anyiam Stadium to honour Oparaku and witness the opening fixture as Heartland and Crown FC usher in the 2026/2027 NNL season.