“The future has announced itself”: SSA Adeboye hails Ilenikhena and Usor as debut goals lift Super Eagles

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye congratulated the Super Eagles on their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar, describing the winning contributions of debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor as a powerful statement on the future of Nigerian football.

READ ALSO: Debut goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor save Super Eagles from home defeat to Madagascar

Nigeria were forced to come from behind at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo after Madagascar took a shock first-half lead in the opening match of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ilenikhena restored parity before the break, marking her senior international debut with a crucial goal, while Usor came off the bench in the second half to score the winning goal and ensure Nigeria began the campaign with maximum points.

Reacting to the win, Adeboye said seeing two new players take responsibility in their first appearance for the senior team was particularly encouraging.

“The future has announced itself,” Adeboye said. “Two players were given the opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior level and both responded with goals. That should excite all Nigerians who believe in the enormous talent we have in this country.”

The presidential aide praised Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for providing opportunities to emerging players, stressing that the revamp of the national team depends on creating space for deserving talents to prove their worth.

According to Adeboye, the performance also strengthens the argument for a more deliberate path connecting grassroots and youth football with professional clubs and national teams.

“Nigeria has never lacked talent. The responsibility before us is to build a system that identifies these talents early, develops them properly and ensures they have a place to go,” he said.

“Today somewhere in our communities there is another young player who dreams of wearing the Super Eagles jersey. Our grassroots development structure must make that journey possible rather than leaving it to chance.”

Adeboye also praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and the rest of the team for showing resilience on a difficult night when Madagascar threatened to frustrate the three-time African champions.

He said qualification campaigns often produce difficult matches and stressed that the ability to bounce back from setbacks and secure maximum points would be important as Nigeria progresses.

The SSA also congratulated Moses Simon on reaching his 100th appearance for Nigeria, describing the milestone as an example of commitment and longevity in national service.

“For me, there was something symbolic about the evening,” Adeboye said. “We saw two young players start their Super Eagles journeys with goals, and we also celebrated Moses Simon turning 100 appearances. That’s the transition every strong football nation needs: experience alongside emerging talent.”

Adeboye urged the Super Eagles to quickly turn their attention to their upcoming qualifying mission against Guinea-Bissau, insisting that victory over Madagascar should inspire confidence rather than complacency.

“Three points are important, but the journey has only just begun. Learn from this game, correct the weaknesses and move forward,” he said.

“To Ilenikhena and Usor, congratulations. You have shown young Nigerian footballers that when the opportunity comes, preparation matters. Keep working, stay humble and keep making Nigeria proud.”