Dele Aiyenugba, a renowned former Super Eagles goalkeeper, has shared an extraordinary moment on the field as he played against his own son, Daniel. The heartwarming incident occurred during a thrilling semifinal match of a preseason tournament in Ikenne.
Captaining their respective club sides, Dele Aiyenugba guarded the goalposts for Kwara United FC, while his son took up the role of goalkeeper for Beyond Limits Academy of Ogun. The sight of father and son donning different team jerseys, exchanging crests, and leading their teams was nothing short of a dream come true for Dele Aiyenugba.
Speaking on the occasion, Dele Aiyenugba expressed his elation, saying, “I was very happy and delighted seeing my son in goal as captain for the team playing against mine.” The unique encounter showcased the deep bond that football has fostered between the two generations.
Dele Aiyenugba, who boasts an impressive career with 17 national team caps between 2005 and 2015, spent several seasons in Israel, representing four different teams. In 2020, he returned to Nigeria to play for Kwara United, making a significant impact on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side.
Throughout his football journey, Dele Aiyenugba has claimed numerous accolades, including four NPFL championships with Enyimba in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007. He also secured the Federation Cup in 2005 and the Nigerian Super Cup in 2003. His accomplishments extended to the international stage as well, with victories in the African Champions League in 2003 and 2004 and the African Super Cup in 2004 and 2005.
Daniel Aiyenugba, his son, emerged as a football talent from the Kwara Football Academy (KFA). He accumulated a series of triumphs with the academy, including the prestigious Ramat Cup. The Aiyenugba legacy in Nigerian football continues to shine, with both father and son leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
