Former Nigerian international and ex-Stationery Stores defender, Abiodun Obafemi, has opened up on the most heartbreaking moment of his football career — a missed penalty against Egyptian giants Zamalek that still haunts him decades later
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Obafemi spoke with Sports247 on Tuesday after guiding his side, Obafemi FC, to the Round of 16 of the Ex-Internationals Cup sponsored by the Bet9ja Foundation.
His team, Obafemi FC secured qualification with a convincing 5-1 victory over FC ATINE, progressing 6-4 on aggregate.
Widely regarded as one of the most reliable penalty takers during his playing days at Stationery Stores, Obafemi revealed that despite converting more than 30 spot-kicks for the Lagos club, one miss in the CAF Champions League semi-final remains unforgettable.
“My name is Abiodun Obafemi, M.O.N., former Nigeria international, ex-Stationery Stores, ex-First Bank, ex-NEPA and ex-Ego Oil player,” he said.
“When I was with Stationery Stores, I was the designated penalty taker and I scored more than 30 penalties, if I remember correctly.
“But the one I missed against Zamalek in the CAF Champions League semi-final still pains me. Everyone believed we had a real chance of becoming the first Nigerian club to win the title because at that time it was still elusive.”
The former defender explained how his trademark penalty-taking routine failed him on the biggest stage.
“My style was always to slightly raise my leg and study the goalkeeper closely. Once I noticed him move, I would place the ball in the opposite direction.
“But the Zamalek goalkeeper was very experienced. He refused to move and, in my confusion after the referee had already blown the whistle, I rushed the kick.
“The ball struck the crossbar and bounced straight back to him.
“Honestly, it remains the greatest disappointment of my career at Stationery Stores.”
Obafemi also reflected on his successful domestic career, recalling how he joined Stationery Stores from First Bank after helping the club achieve remarkable success.
“I spent only two years at Stationery Stores. Before joining them, I was part of the famous First Bank team that won almost everything.
“We even defeated Stationery Stores in one of the finals and afterwards they recruited five of us from First Bank.
“In our first season at Stationery Stores in 1992, we won the league title again and almost completed the double because we also reached the FA Cup final.”
The former utility defender described himself as a versatile player who could operate comfortably in several positions, although he was mainly deployed as a central defender.
“I was the kind of player you could describe as a utility player. I felt comfortable playing in almost every position, but naturally I was a skilful central defender.”
Obafemi further recounted his journey with the Nigerian national teams, beginning with the five-a-side squad before progressing to the Flying Eagles and eventually the Super Eagles setup.
“My first national team invitation came in 1992 for the five-a-side World Cup in Japan.
“After returning, I joined the Nigeria Under-20 team preparing for the African Youth Championship in Mauritius in 1993. That squad later formed the nucleus of the Atlanta ’96 Olympic team.”
He also disclosed that he was invited to the Super Eagles camp ahead of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France but missed out after suffering a serious injury.
“I was invited for the 1998 World Cup preparations, but unfortunately I suffered a major hamstring injury that kept me out for almost eight months.”
Speaking on the current generation of Nigerian players, Obafemi urged them to remain dedicated and appreciate the honour of representing the country.
“They just need to stay committed. Representing Nigeria is a privilege and not something everyone gets.
“I’m happy with the stability in the national team now and the boys are doing well. Unfortunately, we are not at the World Cup and that hurts, but I believe the future is bright.”
