Former Super Eagles forward Jonathan Akpoborie has disclosed a stunning career decision. The ex-striker said he once turned down an offer from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Akpoborie enjoyed productive spells with Hansa Rostock, Stuttgart and Wolfsburg in Germany. However, his decision to reject Bayern means he chose stability over glamour at a decisive moment.
Speaking on the Play Zone Podcast, the 57-year-old reflected on that choice. He admitted family responsibility shaped his thinking at the time.
“When I had that opportunity to go to Stuttgart, I had an offer from Bayern Munich, but I turned it down,” he said.
“Not necessarily that my family depended on me, I have a lot of educated people in my family. But I had that responsibility that I have to take care of everybody, and in taking care of everybody, you have to be stable.”
From Golden Eaglets glory to Super Eagles recall: Akpoborie’s rollercoaster journey
Akpoborie’s pedigree in Nigerian football is one to be admired. He starred for the Golden Eaglets that won the inaugural FIFA U-16 Championship in China 1985. He even scored in the final against West Germany. Two years later, he featured for the Flying Eagles in Chile.
At senior level, he represented Nigeria at the 1992 and 2000 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team secured bronze in 1992 and silver in 2000. He debuted in the third-place match against Cameroon in 1992, as Nigeria won that encounter 2-1.
ALSO READ:
- Leeds United sign Nigeria U23 star Leonard Ngenge from Remo Stars
- Falconets edge Senegal in Abeokuta to keep World Cup dream alive
- Back in England: Luton Town sign ex-Super Eagles winger Victor Moses
- Fulham sign Super Eagles and ex-Rangers defender Calvin Bassey
His first international goal came against Mexico at the 1995 U.S. Cup. He later scored a crucial equaliser against Kenya during 1998 World Cup qualifying.
Surprisingly, Bora Milutinović omitted him from the 1998 World Cup squad. That decision came despite his strong qualifying contributions.In 1999, Thijs Libregts handed him a recall for an AFCON qualifier against Senegal. The match ended 1-1, with Akpoborie finding the net.
He continued featuring during the 2002 World Cup qualification campaign. Notably, he scored in a 4-0 victory over Eritrea in Lagos.
Ultimately, his career was a mix of bold choices and national pride. His Bayern decision remains one of Nigerian football’s great what-ifs.
Tags: Jonathan Akpoborie, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Bora Milutinović, Thijs Libregts, Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets, AFCON.
