From NPFL to Benfica: Owubokiri on Rivalries, Striking Mastery, and a Record-Breaking Night

Football rivalries ignite passion, test resilience, and define the very essence of the game.

For Richard Owubokiri, a former Benfica star and one of Nigeria’s finest strikers, these rivalries were not just contests, they were life lessons.

From the heated matchups of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) to the fervent clashes in Brazil and record-breaking feats in Europe, Owubokiri’s illustrious career stands as a testament to dedication and excellence.

In this exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, he reflects on rivalries, advises modern strikers like Victor Osimhen, and revisits a magical night in Portuguese football.

Living Through the Passion of Football Rivalries

Owubokiri vividly recalls the intensity of football rivalries during his time in Brazil with América Football Club (RJ) and Esporte Clube Vitória. The energy of these games was unparalleled, as he explained:

"Playing in Brazil was like stepping into a world where football is a religion. Every derby or rivalry match felt like a battle for pride, not just for the club but for the fans too. The atmosphere was electric, and it pushed you to give your all, no matter the odds."

Reflecting on his NPFL days, Owubokiri highlighted the unique cultural flavor of rivalries back home: "In the NPFL, the rivalries had their own spark, fueled by community pride.

"When you played against clubs like Enugu Rangers or Shooting Stars, it wasn’t just about winning; it was about representing your people. Those early days prepared me mentally for the pressures I later faced in Brazil and Europe."

Advice for Modern Strikers Like Victor Osimhen

As a goal-scoring legend, Owubokiri offered a formula for success to modern strikers: "The first thing is to have the zeal, the desire to score goals. The second thing is to love training.

"These days, you don't see players who want to spend time training. But training is the secret; it makes you better than others."

He also emphasized the importance of timing, referencing Brazilian legend Romário: "You will never see Romário running anyhow; he does it in a calculative manner. Timing is everything; you must know the best moment to make a particular movement. Combine zeal, training, and timing, and you’ve got it."

Mental toughness, according to Owubokiri, is also crucial: "There will be times when the goals don't come, and that’s where mental toughness comes in. You have to trust your training, stay focused, and keep working. The goals will follow."

Revisiting the Magical Night: Six Goals for Benfica

Owubokiri’s name is etched in Benfica’s history thanks to his remarkable feat of scoring six goals in a single gam.

A record that remains unbroken. Reflecting on the cup match against Atlético Riachense, where Benfica triumphed 14-1, he said: "It was surreal. Everything just clicked. The team was in sync, and every ball I touched seemed destined for the net.

"I didn’t realize the magnitude of what I had done until after the game when the fans and media wouldn’t stop talking about it."

He added with humor: "It’s one of those nights that players dream of but rarely get to experience. I’m proud that it’s still part of Benfica’s history."

Benfica’s Current Chances in the Portuguese League  

As a loyal supporter of Benfica, Owubokiri is optimistic about their title chances this season: "Benfica is a club with a winning mentality. They’ve built a solid squad, and if they maintain focus and avoid injuries, I believe they have what it takes to win the league this season. Consistency will be the key."

Legacy and Lessons

Owubokiri’s journey from the NPFL to becoming a record-breaking striker in Europe is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and skill.

Reflecting on his career, he said: "Football rivalries shape you, on and off the pitch. They teach you to be resilient, to thrive under pressure, and to always fight for your team. These are lessons I’ve carried throughout my career, and they’re as relevant today as they were during my playing days."

For modern footballers, Owubokiri’s story serves as an inspiration, proving that with talent, hard work, and mental toughness, greatness is achievable. 

Whether it’s the fiery rivalries of Brazil, the pressure-packed NPFL, or the elite stages of Europe, Owubokiri has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.