Former Nigeria international, Dele Aiyenugba, has exclusively revealed to Completesports.com that he saved 15 spot kicks during his illustrious goalkeeping career, further explaining how he achieved such a feat.
Aiyenugba, 43, is currently the goalkeeper coach of Kwara United, a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side.
Aiyenugba spoke exclusively to Completesports.com on Thursday, also revealing the secret behind his ability to stop spot kicks during games.
Aiyenugba: ‘I Saved About 15 Penalty Kicks In My Career’
“As a goalkeeper, I can recall vividly that I saved about 15 penalty kicks during my entire goalkeeping career,” The former Bnei Yehuda goalkeeper began in Thursday evening’s no-holds-barred exclusive interview with Completesports.com.
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“This comprises domestic league games, cup games and even during my European career in Israel.”
Aiyenugba Shares His Penalty-Saving Technique
He disclosed his methods for stopping spot kicks.
“First, it’s a rare gift from God — call it the grace of God. Again, before a penalty is taken against me, when the player has finished placing the ball on the penalty spot, I look at him straight in the eyes without him knowing it.
“Whichever direction his eyes go at that time is the more realistic direction he would kick the ball. I stay conscious of that without showing it.
“Also, I must make sure that I don’t move before he kicks the ball. I remain on my toes and on the line. Once he kicks, I then follow.”
Aiyenugba Recalls Controversial 2004 Incident
The soft-spoken Kwara United Goalkeeper c
Coach recalled a particular incident during a league match between Gombe United and Enyimba in 2004, when he saved a penalty but was asked by the referee to allow the second attempt to go in to ‘save his life’.
“I remember an incident in 2004. That was a long time ago. During a league match between Gombe United and Enyimba, I saved a penalty kick. When a second penalty was awarded to Gombe United, the referee tactically came to me, as though he was checking if I was standing on the goal line. He told me to allow the kick go in to save his life.
“The kick was taken and it went in. It was funny, but then that was it.”
NPFL Goalkeeping Standards — Assessment
The Kwara State-born goalkeeper declined to be drawn into arguments about a possible dearth of quality goalkeepers in the country.
“For me, it’s 50-50. I believe there are good goalkeepers in the country, especially in the league. I can mention Ikorodu City’s Julu Derrick and Bayelsa United’s Clinton Andy. There is also Shooting Stars’ Mustapha Lawal. These are all good goalkeepers.
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“But the only thing is that goalkeepers shouldn’t be rushed. They should be allowed to grow with the game and their careers. Goalkeeping is something that should be developed without pressure.”
Ball-Playing Trend: Aiyenugba Weighs In
Asked about the emerging trend of goalkeepers being expected to be ‘ball-playing’, Aiyenugba said while it is useful, it should not be the primary criterion for judging a good goalkeeper.
“It’s good if a goalkeeper can play alongside his teammates, especially his defenders. But for me, a goalkeeper should possess reasonable height, reflexes, mental alertness and assiduity.
“Above all, he should be able to communicate and control his defenders. Understanding is also very important.
“Defenders should be good in ball possession, accurate in knowing when to pass back to the goalkeeper and aware of the goalkeeper’s position at every moment.”
Attacker-Turned Goalie Follows In Dad’s Footsteps
The former Enyimba goalkeeper expressed joy that his son has followed in his footsteps.
“It’s not about whether I would encourage any of my kids to take after me. Already, my son, David, is doing well with Beyond Limits FC in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
“David used to be an attacker. Once, when I was in Israel, he sent me a video of himself playing. It was a good performance, but I encouraged him to move into goalkeeping. He heeded my advice and today he is doing well, having also passed through the tutelage of renowned Ilorin-based goalkeeper coach, Oluyori Obaro.”
CAF Champions League Conquest With Enyimba
Aiyenugba was part of the golden Enyimba squad that won the CAF Champions League back-to-back in 2003 and 2004.
Asked about those triumphs, he said the medals remain a source of pride and motivation.
“The two gold medals are in my house till date. I look at them with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Of course, they also serve as motivation for my children.”
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The former Bnei Yehuda, Hapoel Ashkelon and Hapoel Iksal of Israel shot-stopper lamented that despite Enyimba’s historic achievements, the players were not adequately rewarded.
“We were given Kia Rio cars in 2003. We were also promised land in Abuja, but till date those promises remain a mirage. There is nothing tangible for the players to show for being the first Nigerians to win the trophy.”
He further called on the Abia State Government to honour the players and officials.
“We truly deserve such recognition. You can imagine our efforts in putting Aba and Abia State on the African football map. Enyimba came from nowhere and turned Aba into a centre of pride and achievement.
“When the stadium was opened, the Super Eagles of 1994 were invited for a novelty match. That could have been an opportunity to honour the players who built the club’s legacy.”
Aiyenugba admitted he lives a fulfilled life after his fooballing career.
“I featured for all categories of the national teams — U17, U20, U23 and the senior team — the Super Eagles. I won AFCON bronze medals in 2006 in Egypt and 2008 in Ghana. I was part of the 2010 World Cup squad, though I missed out on the final squad for the Sydney 2000 Olympics despite playing in the qualifiers. God has been merciful to me, and I remain grateful.”
NPFL Survival Battle: Aiyenugba Backs Kwara United
The Kwara United goalkeeper coach believes the ‘Harmony Boys’ will avoid relegation at the end of the 2025/2026 NPFL season. He also praised the league leadership for improvements in officiating and organisation.
“Although Kwara United are not in the relegation zone at the moment, the remaining three games are crucial. One thing is clear — teams fighting relegation are facing each other, so there is no room for manipulation. Try anything funny and you could find yourself in the NNL.
“It has been a smooth season so far. The referees have been impressive. Sometimes I wonder what magic the NPFL leadership — Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye and Davidson Owumi — are using.
“At the same time, we are now aligned with Europe, especially the English Premier League, such that both leagues finish in the same week. I hope they continue to take the league to greater heights.”
By Sab Osuji
