Godwin Okpara spent five seasons in the French championship. Three at Racing Club de Strasbourg between 1996 and 1996, then the next two at Paris Saint-Germain.
Arrested in the summer of 2005 and then indicted for rape of his adopted daughter, who arrived in France at the age of thirteen, this Nigerian international was sentenced to thirteen years of criminal imprisonment. A sentence reduced to ten years on appeal, subsequently confirmed by the Court of Cassation. His wife Linda, found guilty of rape, exploitation and torture of the teenager, had “taken” fifteen years in prison.
The former central defender spent between six and seven years in detention. He was granted early release for good behavior. Upon his release, he was expelled from France and sent back to his native country.
Godwin Okpara, legal troubles continued
His couple “survived” these long prison sentences. Except that in November 2017, Godwin Okpara was brought before a court in Ikeja (Lagos) for domestic violence against his wife. He allegedly hit her with a stick and other objects, causing her injuries. A video of the attack even circulated at the time.
Pleading not guilty, Jay-Jay’s former teammate Okocha was placed under judicial supervision and granted bail. He did not return to prison for this case. Since then, he has worked in the detection of young Nigerian players for European clubs.
