Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju may have left the football pitch behind, but his legacy continues—both in sports and in family life. The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner has transitioned into life after football, working as a pundit and sporting director. Yet through all the ups and downs of a demanding career, one constant has remained: his deep commitment to his loving and dynamic family.
A Love Story That Began in 1989
Mutiu met his wife, Bimpe Adepoju, in February 1989 through mutual friends. It was love at first sight for the former midfielder. “I was attracted to her beauty and gentleness. She melted my heart the moment I saw her,” he recalled. That instant connection blossomed into a relationship that would endure across countries and career milestones.
Just six months later, Mutiu moved to Spain to join Real Madrid’s youth team. At one point, he was advised to marry a Spanish citizen to gain residency and potentially join the first team. But Mutiu never considered it. “I love my wife. My heart was, and still is, with her,” he said, emphasizing that his relationship came before career shortcuts.
Building a Family While Pursuing Football Dreams
Mutiu proposed to Bimpe in 1992, and they had their white wedding in 1995. By then, they were already raising their first daughter, Nofisat Atinuke (Tinu), reportedly born on June 26, 1993. Tinu later earned a degree in Telematics and Telecommunications Engineering and worked with CISCO in Brussels before pursuing a pilot’s license.
The couple went on to have three more daughters—Maryam Mopelade (Lade), Khadijat Abiola (Abby), and Shakirat Omolola (Lola). Lade studied international business at Queens University in North Carolina and played on the university’s basketball team. Abby explored photography and fashion, while Lola also followed a passion for basketball.
Who Is Bimpe Adepoju?
Born in Lagos as the fifth of six children, Bimpe Adepoju moved to Imesi-Ile at a young age to live with her grandmother. There, she completed her primary and secondary education but frequently returned to Lagos for holidays with her family. She was born on January 2 and is originally from Ile Obanla in Osun State.
Bimpe began her entrepreneurial journey in October 1994 and, 26 years later, took on the role of a business mentor. In July 2021, she worked with NBN Living Africa. As of 2020, she serves as a mentor for women’s empowerment at MERIT Woman Community. In January 2023, she launched “Empower Her Bimpe,” a business that helps women build personal brands, understand sales, and develop or scale their businesses through tailored success plans. She also specializes in nutrition and wellness coaching.
A Modern Matriarch and Role Model
Bimpe is active on Instagram, where she shares motivational posts about self-love, personal growth, and family. Her style blends elegant minimalism with everyday chic, whether she’s wearing bold dresses or classic white shirts. Her feed often features family photoshoots with her daughters and celebratory posts about her husband’s achievements.
The Secret to a Lasting Marriage
For over 30 years, Mutiu and Bimpe Adepoju have built a life rooted in mutual respect, love, and understanding. He gave her the freedom to pursue her passions, and she stood by him through every twist in his career. Together, they’ve raised four accomplished daughters and continue to thrive both personally and professionally.
Today, Mutiu and Bimpe remain a powerful example of enduring love and a well-balanced family life—an inspiration to many in and beyond the world of football.
