Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has taken a reflective look back at some of the most defining moments of his international career.
Adepoju made his senior debut for Nigeria in August 1990 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The Super Eagles secured a 3 0 victory in that match, launching what would become a decorated international career for the midfielder widely known by fans as “The Headmaster” for his aerial prowess.
Recalling his most memorable goals in Nigerian colours, Adepoju pointed to his decisive strike against the United States during the semi-finals ofthe1989 FIFA World Youth Championship.
The goal, scored past U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller, helped the Flying Eagles reach the final of the tournament for the first time in history.
Also high on his list is the memorable header he scored against Spain in the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Nigeria came from behind to win that match 3 2, in what remains one of the most remarkable upsets in the country’s World Cup history.
Adepoju also reflected on the challenges within the Super Eagles camp during the 1998 tournament, noting that although several players were dealing with injuries, many of them were manageable.
“The kind of injuries that affected the camp were the ones that could be played through,” he explained. “They were important players we could not afford to lose.”
Despite those challenges, Nigeria advanced from a difficult group before being eliminated by Denmark in the Round of 16.
