National Teams
Nigeria legend Mutiu Adepoju debunks Super Eagles job application
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former international Mutiu Adepoju has denied reports that he has submitted an application for an appointment as coach of Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles.
Adepoju, who was part of the Nigerian team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also played with the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The former Real Madrid star, who holds a UEFA Pro Coaching License, earned 48 caps for the national team, scoring six goals.
The 53-year-old, widely acclaimed as the ‘Headmaster,’ is now an ambassador of the Spanish Liga in Nigeria. The Ibadan-born midfield maestro’s illustrious 18-year career saw him play for various clubs in Spain, including Racing Santander and Real Sociedad after leaving Real Madrid.
He also had a brief stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad before moving on to Turkey, where he played for Samsunspor.
“I never spoke about the Super Eagles’ appointment. I never applied, and I am sure the NFF did not mention my name,” Adepoju clarified.
“I already supported calls for an indigenous coach for the job. I was happy to hear that Amokachi, Finidi, and Amuneke applied. The NFF then announced their choice.
“Will I then go behind them and apply in secret?
“I was just looking at my time in Spain, with Castella and Real Madrid.
“I spoke about it on my X handle. It was just about how I got to Spain; but nothing about the Super Eagles. I don’t know where they got their story from.”
Adepoju was part of Nigeria’s squads for the FIFA World Cups in 1994, 1998, and 2002.
