Adepoju shares his top World Cup memory

Former Super Eagles player Mutiu Adepoju has named his powerful header against Spain in the 1998 FIFA World Cup as the key moment of his international career. He called the win over Spain one of the most memorable results in Nigerian football history, The PUNCH reports.

Adepoju, known as "Headmaster" for his heading skills, played for Nigeria in three World Cups: USA 1994, France 1998, and Korea/Japan 2002. He is among the few Nigerians who have scored at the biggest stage in football.

In a special chat with Footy-Africa, the former Racing Santander player looked back on a career that reached great heights. He explained what the World Cup means to any footballer lucky enough to be part of 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.

Each of the three tournaments had its own impact on Adepoju, but France 1998 remains his favorite. Nigeria shocked Spain 3-2 in one of the greatest surprises in World Cup history, with Adepoju’s header being a key part of that win.

"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.

Adepoju also fondly remembers Nigeria’s first World Cup appearance in 1994. He called it historic for the players lucky enough 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.

When discussing Africa’s teams in the current tournament, Adepoju gave an honest view of their chances. He pointed out that Tunisia has a tough road ahead after a heavy loss in their first match.

"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.