Former Benin Republic international Mouritala Ogunbiyi has attributed Enyimba’s historic success in the early 2000s to unity, discipline, and strong leadership, while urging young footballers to embrace humility and hard work as the foundation for successful careers.
Speaking exclusively to Sports247 during the colourful appreciation ceremony held in honour of former Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Ogun State Chairman Chief Olaseinde Bankole (Zico) at the Oba Moshood Alani Oyede Mini Stadium, Joju, Sango-Ota, Ogunbiyi reflected on his memorable playing days with Enyimba FC.
The event, organised by the Leventis Joju Area Sports Committee, brought together football stakeholders and former internationals to celebrate the grassroots football icon.
Ogunbiyi, who starred for Enyimba, Étoile du Sahel, Guingamp, and Paris FC, was a key member of the Enyimba side that won the 2003 CAF Champions League, scoring three crucial goals during the club’s remarkable continental triumph.
Reacting to the current struggles of the People’s Elephant, the former midfielder admitted he has not closely followed the club in recent years but stressed that the qualities that made Enyimba Africa’s finest club during his era should never be overlooked.
“For me, I don’t know much about the team currently. But the coordination and unity we had then were top-notch, and our coach, Kadiri Ikhana, was more like a father than just a coach,” Ogunbiyi said.
He believes football success is built on collective commitment, insisting that everyone within a club must share the same ambition.
“What worked well for the team might have changed. Everyone must be carried along with the vision and mission of the club if they want to retain that position as the best team in Nigeria and Africa.”
The former Benin international also offered words of wisdom to aspiring footballers hoping to build successful professional careers.
“For young players out there, respect and humility are the keys to going far in football. Leaving your comfort zone to pursue your career requires a lot of respect, discipline, and hard work before you can achieve success.”
Ogunbiyi enjoyed an outstanding professional career, winning trophies in every club he represented while earning 47 caps and scoring six goals for the Benin Republic national team between 1998 and 2019.
His reflections serve as a reminder that talent alone is not enough, as unity, discipline, strong leadership, and character remain the ingredients for sustained success in football.
