Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju recently took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his favourite moment from representing Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Adepoju was part of the squad that made history when Nigeria featured in their first ever World Cup in the United States in 1994, and he was still there eight years later in Korea and Japan in 2002, a testament to both his quality and his longevity in the green and white.
Speaking in a recent interview, the former Racing Santander man made clear that for any professional footballer, taking part in a FIFA World Cup with their national team should be the ultimate goal.
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“The World Cup should mean a lot to a footballer because that is the highest competition that a player can participate in,” Adepoju told Footy-Africa.
“Yes, you can play in their leagues, their club sides and all, but that is the highest stage that a footballer aspires to reach. Any player fortunate enough to play in the World Cup, that should be the best thing for the player in his career.”
Mutiu Adepoju fondly recalls favourite World Cup moment
Fondly called the “Headmaster” for his exceptional abilities in the air, Adepoju featured in three consecutive World Cups with the Super Eagles and for the former Real Madrid man, scoring against Spain in France 98 to power Nigeria to a shocking 3-2 win stands out as his best memory.
“Well, out of the three World Cups I have been to – 1994, 1998 and 2002 – I think all are memorable, but some are more memorable, especially the 1994 World Cup, which was Nigeria’s debut appearance at the tournament,” he said.
“I am glad I made history for Nigeria and I am glad I was one of the players chosen to go and play for the country. It was a good memory.
“The 1998 World Cup was a very good one because I participated fully in the games and I even scored against Spain. In 2002, I was there, but I participated more in the 1998 World Cup and I am very grateful for it.
“That goal against Spain has to be my best moment in the World Cup. It was a beautiful header and Nigeria later went on to win the game 3-2. It was a famous win for us. I am glad I was part of that history.”
Aside from featuring at three World Cup tournaments, Adepoju also played in the 1992, 1994 and 2000 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria finished third, first and second respectively.
