Adepoju picks best World Cup moment

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has identified his towering header against Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup as the defining moment of his international career, describing the victory over the Europeans as one of the most famous results in Nigerian football history, The PUNCH reports.

Adepoju, who earned the nickname “Headmaster” for his prowess in the air, represented Nigeria at three World Cups — USA 1994, France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002 — and remains one of the few Nigerians to have scored at football’s biggest showpiece.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, the former Racing Santander midfielder reflected on a career that took him to the pinnacle of the game and underscored what the World Cup means to any footballer fortunate enough to experience it.

“The World Cup should mean a lot to a footballer because that is the highest competition that a player can participate in. 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,” Adepoju said.

All three tournaments left their mark on the former midfielder, but it was France 1998 that produced his most cherished memory. Nigeria stunned Spain 3-2 in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, with Adepoju’s header a central part of that remarkable victory.

“The 1998 World Cup was a very good one because I participated fully in the games and I even scored against Spain. 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,” he said.

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Adepoju also reserved special sentiment for Nigeria’s debut appearance in 1994, a tournament he described as historic for a generation of players privileged to represent the country on the world stage for the first time.

“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. 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,” Adepoju said.

Turning his attention to Africa’s representatives at the ongoing tournament, Adepoju offered a candid assessment of the continent’s prospects, singling out Tunisia for concern after a heavy opening-day defeat.

“It will be very hard for them, especially Tunisia with the way they played and got hammered by Sweden early this morning. They are in a bad position right now and it will be hard for them,” he said.

“For Egypt, it is possible with their group. South Africa will have to find a way to score more goals and not lose again if they want to make it to the Round of 32. For Cape Verde and Algeria, they do have a chance too.

“Like I always say, this is the World Cup and a lot of things can happen and have happened. They just have to believe in themselves and keep pushing,” Adepoju added.