Tinu is one of the daughters of ex-International, Mutiu Adepoju. She talks to MOTUNRAYO JOEL about her father’s life and career
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m the first of four girls. I am 22 years old and I am glad to say that I have just completed my examination. I live in Spain with my family.
Which schools did you attend?
There’s not really much to say about the primary and secondary schools I attended. Regarding the university, I just finished my junior year as a Telematics Engineer undergraduate in Spain.
How was it like growing up with a famous father like Mutiu Adepoju?
I had a beautiful and interesting childhood; my father is an excellent father. My parents made sure we had the most normal childhood as possible and that we remain focused.
What are the values you imbibed from your father?
My father has a lot of values and I think I’ve learnt so much from him. However, the values I’ve imbibed and cherished include perseverance, humility, generosity and hard work.
Would you say your father’s name has opened doors for you?
I wouldn’t say that because I don’t use my last name to get things easily.
Aside from being the famous footballer we all know, what kind of father is he?
He is a loving and caring father. He also advises us a lot. I remember him telling us that we should not only focus on his achievements, but also think of what we can do to make an impact. He is very compassionate too. He sticks his neck out for his children and tries to make it as easy as possible for them. He makes up for whatever he lacks with care and support.
Can you recall some fond memories of growing up with him?
I have a lot, but my most memorable moments are the car trips we made to other cities to watch football matches, just the two of us. He is a father who enjoys the closeness of his family and children. He likes us all to have a good relationship.
How close are you to him?
I am quite close to my father in the sense that I can discuss anything with him. I also offer him my opinion on issues when the need arises. We have a great ‘father and daughter’ relationship.
What do you cherish most about your dad?
I cherish the fact that he is always there for us and he has been a very good father. I cherish everything about my dad. He loves spending time with us and telling us stories.
How does he spend time with his children?
My father doesn’t joke with family time. Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for family outings. If we aren’t all relaxing together at home watching television, then we are probably heading for the cinema. There is no boring moment with my father. He is the best dad.
What other sport does he do apart from playing football?
My father enjoys running. He also plays squash.
When did his love for football start?
I think it started way back when he was a young boy; he had always known he wanted to be a footballer.
How did you feel whenever you watched his tapes, especially the ones Nigeria emerged victory?
I am very proud of him. It’s an experience one can’t really put into words. Many people wish they were in my shoes. It gives me great joy that I have a football hero as a father. I feel very proud of him.
What are some of your favourite moments when you watched his tapes?
My favourite is the one when he scored against Spain at the 98’ World Cup.
Do you know why he is nicknamed ‘headmaster’?
Yes, I think it was because of his ability to score with his head. He knew how to use his head (literally and otherwise) to score goals that left his counterparts in awe. I remember him saying that back then in secondary school, his mates were always scarred to use their head to drive the ball into the goal post. He, on the other hand, was very eager to use his head. It was a big advantage to him because he could jump so high.
How come you didn’t take to football?
It isn’t easy to find a female team, and I’m not good at it anyway.
Is he one that would influence his children’s careers?
I think it’s too early to be talking about careers, since I’m the oldest and I’m still 22. But he did influence us to play team sports when we were younger.
But who among his children has passion for football like him?
No one is as passionate about football as he is (smiles). But I would say that my youngest sister is the one that likes football the most.
How did he discipline erring children?
His disciplinary tactic is done verbally. He talks with the child about the error she made and why she shouldn’t do it again.
How does your dad handle criticisms?
He handles them quite well. My dad says everyone has an opinion and is entitled to their opinion. However, he listens to advice and criticisms from people who are much older than he is. He usually gives their advice a second thought, and doesn’t just brush it off.
How did your father feel when Rashidi Yekini died, considering their friendship?
It was very painful to him that Nigeria lost the best scorer of all time.
What is the most important piece of advice he has given you?
He says that one is never a failure if one works hard for what one wants, even if one doesn’t achieve it.
How has he been able to shield his family from the limelight?
We don’t live in Nigeria; in Spain he is not as famous as he is in Nigeria.
While he was still a footballer, how did he make time for his family?
He had a busy schedule, travelling here and there. But he made it a point of duty to keep his family happy all the time. There were times it was difficult since he had to travel out of the continent to play. He would be away for two months or more, but when he came home, he made sure we all had the best of times as a family.
How is his relationship with your mother?
They have a good relationship and they communicate well. I would describe their relationship as one that is very loving and stable.
How did they meet?
While he was playing football for Shooting Stars, he fell in love with my mother. He met her through a friend. I think that was in 1989.
What do you admire about their marriage?
I admire the fact that my parents have been together till date. I admire the way my dad communicates with my mum. They are best of friends which I think is very important in marriage.
How do they handle quarrels?
We (children) don’t get to know about their quarrels. Growing up, I used to think my parents never argued because I had never seen them have an argument. But I think they have a good form of communication and they talk to each other a lot. Their love for each other too has played a big part in the success of their marriage.
What romantic thing has your father done for your mother?
My father is always so sweet to my mother. He always buys her gifts. Whenever he travels, he makes sure he buys her something no matter how short the journey is.
What are his likes and dislikes?
He detests lies and insincerity. Those are the things I know he doesn’t like. He likes honesty and simplicity. He also likes one to be compassionate. He also encourages an active lifestyle. He likes one to be involved in sports. Through him, I have learnt that being active in sports helps one’s health, reasoning and social status. He encourages one to have a healthy and active lifestyle.
What are his hobbies?
He likes to read and watch movies.
What are his favourite outfits?
He dresses simple; jeans are definitely his favourite.
What is his favourite meal?
He likes amala (yam flour) with ewedu.
What is his regular schedule like?
During the week, he goes to the office and during the weekends, he does sports.
Would you say he is a socialite?
I wouldn’t describe him as a socialite because he doesn’t attend parties much.
Can you recollect one particular memorable event when you went out with him?
No, I was too young to remember.
Your father holds a pride of place in the nation’s football history. For you, what is his legacy?
I think being among the few players that represented Nigeria in three world cups is his legacy.
Would you encourage your children to play football?
Yes or any other sports. Sports can help build confidence in children. It also motivates them to excel academically and can help build social skills.
When did he experience his saddest moment?
This was when his parents died; it affected him.
Where does he see himself in the next three or five years?
He hopes to have accomplished a lot of things by then. He also hopes to be working on something that makes him happy in the next three to five years. By then, he wants to be as close to his family as possible.
There are many mixed views about Super Eagles former coach, Stephen Keshi, and his input in Nigerian football. What does your father say about him?
My father says that he has contributed greatly to Nigerian football.
If your father wasn’t a footballer, what would he have been?
He would have become a Physical Education teacher, I guess.
Does your father advise you about men, marriage?
It’s quite too soon for me to be thinking about marriage.
Who is his best friend?
His best friend is Ike Shorunmu; Super Eagles goalkeepers’ trainer.
What is the first thing he does when he wakes and the last thing he does before he sleeps?
He always prays; my father doesn’t joke with his prayer time.
List five things Nigerians didn’t know about your father?
I can only recall a few things. His favourite colour is blue, he likes to watch “La que se avecina” a Spanish sitcom, and he has both Nigerian and Spanish nationalities.
If he could change things about himself, what will that be?
He would have loved to have at least one boy; we are four girls (smiles).
Does he have memorable moments about his time at Real Madrid?
He has quite a few memorable moments, but the one that stands out was the day the team was promoted from Second Division B to Second Division A.
Why did he choose to allow his family live abroad?
It is because we had relocated too many times through the years. It wasn’t an easy decision though. Despite the distance, we are still as close as any family should be.
Does he communicate in the English language or Yoruba with his kids?
He communicates in both; it all depends on where we are.
Does he have any regrets?
I don’t think so. My father is happy with all he has been able to accomplish and his impact on Nigeria’s football tournament history.
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