‘Benin appreciated my talent when Nigeria did not’: Former Benin international Mouritala Ogunbiyi reflects on career and loyalty

Former Benin Republic international Mouritala Ogunbiyi has revealed why he chose to represent the Cheetahs rather than his country of birth, Nigeria, saying the decision was driven by opportunity, appreciation and the chance to fulfill his international ambitions.

Speaking exclusively to Sports247 during the colorful appreciation ceremony held in honor of the immediate past of the Nigerian Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Ogun State President, Olaseinde Bankole (Zico), at the Oba Moshood Alani Oyede Mini Stadium, Joju, Sango-Ota, Ogunbiyi paid tribute to the veteran coach for supporting him at a crucial stage of his career.

Also Read: Day 2: Team Nigeria hopes for another win against Namibia in Billie Jean King Cup promotion push | Sports247 Nigeria

“I really appreciate Coach Zico because he supported my career when I needed it the most,” Ogunbiyi said.

The event, organized by the Leventis Joju Area Sports Committee, brought together football stakeholders, former internationals, coaches and administrators to celebrate Bankole’s immense contributions to the development of grassroots football.

Reflecting on his international career, Ogunbiyi admitted that missing out on the Super Eagles was one of the realities of football, insisting that circumstances and connections often determine opportunities at the highest level.

“It is a long story. Connections influence some good players to achieve their dream of representing the Super Eagles. The Republic of Benin appreciated my talent and welcomed me like a family,” he explained.

The former midfielder followed his football journey from the base in Ota where he started his career before joining Indomie FC and then moving to Benin Republic to pursue professional football.

Ogunbiyi enjoyed a distinguished career, representing clubs such as Enyimba FC, Étoile du Sahel, Guingamp, Nîmes, Paris FC and USS Krake, winning trophies at virtually every club he played for.

“One unique thing about my career is that I won laurels with all the clubs I represented,” he stated proudly.

The creative midfielder earned 47 caps and scored six goals for Benin Republic between 1998 and 2019. He was also a member of the Benin team that participated in the 2004 African Cup of Nations, facing Nigeria during the tournament.

When asked where his loyalties would lie if Nigeria faced Benin Republic in an AFCON final, Ogunbiyi gave an emphatic response.

“It will surely be Benin Republic. I played three AFCON tournaments and faced Nigeria, although we lost. My heart belongs to Dahomey.”

He concluded by expressing his gratitude for the affection received throughout his international career.

“In Benin Republic I was loved for my creativity and the name Mouritala Ogunbiyi became everyone’s favorite.”

Ogunbiyi’s story remains a powerful reminder of how opportunity, recognition and faith can shape the international careers of African footballers.