From Uyo to Bissau: Adeboye urges Super Eagles to turn victory into momentum

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has urged the Super Eagles to build on their first victory over Madagascar by seeking another positive result against Guinea-Bissau in their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.

Nigeria began the qualifiers with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring the goals that rescued the three points.

Adeboye described the victory as an important start, but stressed that the Super Eagles must now improve their performance and demonstrate greater authority against Guinea-Bissau.

“The first game is behind us. We got the three points, which was important, but everyone who watched that game knows that there are areas where we need to improve. The next game provides the opportunity to show that improvement,” Adeboye said.

He praised the character shown by the team after losing to Madagascar, particularly the contributions of Ilenikhena and Usor, who made an immediate impact in their senior team debuts.

According to the presidential aide, his performances underline the importance of continually creating opportunities for emerging Nigerian talents.

“What excited me about the last game was seeing young players come to the Super Eagles and immediately take responsibility. Ilenikhena and Usor had opportunities and responded with goals. That is healthy for the national team and encouraging for any young Nigerian footballer who dreams of playing for his country.”

Adeboye also congratulated Moses Simon on reaching 100 caps for Nigeria, describing the occasion as a symbol of the necessary balance between experience and youth.

He noted that seeing Simon celebrate a century of international appearances on the same night two players began their Super Eagles careers with goals represented the transition any successful national team requires.

Looking ahead to Guinea-Bissau, Adeboye warned that the Super Eagles cannot afford to underestimate any rival, pointing out that African football has become increasingly competitive.

“There are no small teams anymore. We must respect Guinea-Bissau, but we must also remember who we are and what the Nigerian jersey represents. We must go there with confidence, discipline and hunger to get the three points,” he said.

Adeboye added that the match presents another opportunity to demonstrate the potential of Nigerian football and the importance of developing a sustainable pipeline of players from grassroots to the senior team.

“Winning the first game gives confidence, but following it up with another good result creates momentum. The qualifying journey has begun and every point counts,” he said.

The SSA expressed confidence that the Super Eagles would learn from the difficult moments against Madagascar and put in a better performance against Guinea-Bissau.

“Uyo gave us the start we wanted. Now the challenge is to build on it. Go out, fight for the country and take Nigeria forward towards AFCON 2027.”