Former Nigerian international midfielder Wasiu Ipaye has reflected on his remarkable football journey, recalling one of the most memorable moments of his career—providing the assist for the late Rashidi Yekini’s goal against Zambia.
Wasiu Ipaye also highlighted the key differences between footballers of his generation and today’s players during an exclusive interview with sports247 in Lagos.
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Ipaye took a trip down memory lane, recounting how his career started in Lagos before rising through the ranks to represent Nigeria at both junior and senior international levels.
“It has been a long journey,” Ipaye said. “I started my career in Lagos and played for clubs like ACB Insurance, IBWA and First Bank before making it into the national junior and senior teams.”
The former midfielder also enjoyed an impressive career across the African continent, playing for Club Africain of Tunisia, Renaissance Sportive de Settat of Morocco and South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.
Although primarily a midfielder, Ipaye said he frequently joined attacking moves and contributed goals whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Reflecting on his fondest football memory, the former Super Eagles star singled out Nigeria’s victory over Zambia, where he created the goal scored by legendary striker Rashidi Yekini.
“I can never forget that game against Zambia. I provided the pass for Rashidi Yekini’s goal. Those are moments that remain with me forever,” he recalled.
Ipaye also revealed that he enjoyed several individual accolades during his club career, winning honours including Top Scorer, Player of the Month and Player of the Year at different stages.
Comparing the footballers of his era with the current generation, the former international expressed concern over what he described as a decline in discipline, humility and willingness to learn.
“Many young players believe they have already arrived. Even when coaches give instructions, they prefer to do things their own way. Football doesn’t work like that,” he said.
He stressed that world football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reached the pinnacle of the game through discipline, hard work and respect for their coaches.
According to Ipaye, many young Nigerian footballers are too eager to secure moves abroad instead of first establishing themselves in the Nigeria Premier Football League and developing their game.
“When we played for the Super Eagles, many of us were home-based players. That shows the talents in Nigeria are good enough if they are properly coached and disciplined,” he noted.
The former midfielder also lamented the decline in the country’s football preparation, recalling that previous national teams spent longer periods in camp, which helped foster team chemistry, healthy competition and tactical understanding.
Speaking on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for consecutive FIFA World Cups, Ipaye called for a complete change in mentality, insisting that the Super Eagles can no longer rely on their reputation alone.
“There are no small teams in football anymore. Every country is improving. We must stop relying on Nigeria’s name and start showing determination and commitment on the pitch,” he said.
He concluded by encouraging young footballers to embrace discipline, dedication and perseverance, describing those qualities as the foundation of every successful football career.
“My advice to the youth is simple: be disciplined, be determined and stay dedicated to whatever you are doing. Those qualities will always take you far,” Ipaye concluded.
