Former Super Eagles international and football administrator, Mutiu Adepoju recently featured on Parrot Xtra Ayekooto, anchored by Olayinka Agboola on Splash 105.5FM. During the engaging interview, he reflected on his football journey, including the Miracle of Damman and three FIFA World Cup appearances, assessed the Super Eagles’ recent AFCON performance, shared his views on leadership in sports, and offered advice to the younger generation on discipline, emotional control, and the importance of combining education with sports. (This Interview has since been published in our Vol 12. No 17 edition of our ParrotXtra Magazine)
Excerpts:
How will you like to describe yourself and your approach to issues involving football?
I see myself as an ordinary person who believes in making things work. I am also easygoing and always focused on contributing positively wherever I find myself.
How did your football career begin, and what early experiences shaped your path?
I started playing football at a very young age while I was in primary school. I played on the streets, developed a deep interest in the game, and with God’s help, everything became possible.
Would you describe joining Real Madrid or Shooting Stars as a major turning point in your career?
Before joining Shooting Stars Sports Club, I played for CRIN and later represented Oyo State at the 1985 National Sports Festival in Kwara. I also played for Femo Scorpions in Eruwa. Chief Ogundoyin invited me to play for Femo Scorpions when he was living in Felele, and that was how I moved from Apata to Eruwa. I spent two years there before I was invited to the National U20 camp, although I did not make the final squad.
After leaving Femo Scorpions, I joined Shooting Stars, and from there, I was invited to the National U20 team camp in Ibadan. We played all our qualifiers in Ibadan, won the African championship, and qualified for the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship in Saudi Arabia.
I was part of the Nigerian U20 team at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship, where we achieved the historic “Miracle of Dammam.” We came back from four goals down to draw 4 to 4 against the USSR and eventually won 5 to 3 on penalties. It was an unforgettable moment, and truly a divine turnaround.
You played in three World Cups and several AFCON tournaments. Which experience was the most memorable and why?
Yes, I played in three World Cups, but my best experience was at 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Some of my teammates in the 1994 squad included Stephen Keshi, Peter Rufai, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Rashidi Yekini, and Samson Siasia. It was a golden generation.
There were claims that past Super Eagles squads were controlled by cabals. What is your perspective?
I honestly do not understand what people meant by “cabals.” During our time, there was nothing like internal conflict or power control on the field. We were united and focused on winning.
Some rumours suggested teammates avoided passing to Rashidi Yekini. What is your view?
That is a misconception. Football is a fast-paced game, and decisions are made within seconds. Sometimes players miss opportunities unintentionally. There was no deliberate attempt to sideline anyone.
How does the team spirit of your generation compare with the current Super Eagles squad?
During our time, anyone could score, although strikers naturally had more scoring opportunities. Midfielders supported and distributed the ball, and scoring as a midfielder was always an added advantage.
Our team spirit was shaped by our playing style and the coach’s strategy. We were the first team to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup, something the nation had long desired. That achievement created a strong bond among us.
What is your opinion on the reported argument between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the last AFCON?
Everyone may have their own perspective, but I did not approve of the way Victor Osimhen reacted. He should have controlled his emotions. The teammate involved, Ademola Lookman, had even provided him with two assists in that match. Situations like that should not escalate on the field, as both players could have been sent off. Disagreements should be settled in the dressing room.
How would you describe Victor Osimhen as a player, and what qualities must he develop?
He is a passionate and determined fighter on the pitch, always eager to score. However, beyond those qualities, he must remain calm and disciplined. Players are role models, and younger generations are watching.
Do you think he should be made captain of the Super Eagles?
Leadership requires more than talent. A captain must possess playing quality, leadership ability, emotional control, and the capacity to represent and unite the team both on and off the pitch. Anyone who cannot tolerate others or control their behaviour cannot effectively lead.
What is your assessment of the recent AFCON performance and Coach Eric Chelle’s leadership?
Eric Chelle is a good coach. Very few coaches would have accepted the job under the circumstances he faced. Although we did not qualify for the World Cup, he did his best. His tactical adjustments during AFCON were commendable. However, certain structural issues are bigger than the coach alone. Ideally, the coach should have full control, and I believe he is capable of continuing to build the team.
Do you think Nigeria now currently can boast of a standard national team, and are there talents yet to be explored?
Yes, based on our performance at the last AFCON, we have a strong and standard team. We even have more talented players yet to be fully explored.
What lessons should young people take from your journey?
Many parents approach me because their children want to become footballers. My advice is always to combine academics with sports. Children should attend school while training in reputable academies where they can properly develop their skills. Education and sports must go hand in hand, just as it was encouraged in the old days.
What is your current role at Lanreleke Sports Academy, and how does it contribute to youth development?
I am consulting for Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ile-Ogbo, Osun State. It is a school that admits students through sports performance. They enrol students from SS1 to SS3, and admission is largely based on performance and commitment shown during sports training.
What is your general view of the last AFCON hosted by Morocco?
The facilities were excellent and well-organised. However, I was not pleased with certain attitudes and incidents that occurred, including unnecessary disturbances. Such behaviour should not happen in a tournament of that standard.
What final advice would you give young athletes about achieving success in sports and life?
Young people must identify what they want early in life and understand that success does not come easily. Self-discipline is crucial. With focus, hard work, and proper guidance, they can achieve greatness.
