Nigerian football legend Mutiu Adepoju has revealed his biggest career regret in a recent interview with Sports Brief. The former Real Madrid and Super Eagles attacker lamented missing out on making his senior team debut with the Spanish giants due to an injury.
Adepoju, fondly called "Headmaster," had a illustrious 18-year career that saw him play for various clubs, including Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Racing Santander. He was an integral part of the Super Eagles team that qualified Nigeria for their first-ever World Cup in 1994 and clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown that same year.
However, despite his numerous achievements, Adepoju still harbors regrets over not playing for Real Madrid's senior team. He explained that an injury and the limited slots for foreign players at the time prevented him from achieving his dream.
Adepoju recounted how he had an opportunity to play with the senior team in his third year but got injured a week before the match. He eventually joined Racing Santander, where he had a successful stint and earned a promotion to the first division.
The 53-year-old La Liga ambassador expressed his disappointment, stating, "I would say that I really wanted to play for the Real Madrid senior team, but sadly, an injury came. I would say that is the biggest regret of my career."
Adepoju's story serves as a reminder that even the most successful careers can have what-ifs and regrets. Despite his achievements, he still looks back on that missed opportunity with a tinge of sadness.
Nevertheless, Adepoju's legacy in Nigerian football remains untouched, and his contributions to the Super Eagles' success in the 1990s will always be celebrated.