The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated the Super Eagles on their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar, describing the match-winning contributions of debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor as a powerful statement about the future of Nigerian football.
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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 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Ilenikhena restored parity before the break, marking his senior international debut with a crucial goal, while Usor came off the bench in the second half to score the winner and ensure Nigeria began the campaign with maximum points.
Reacting to the victory, Adeboye said seeing two new players take responsibility on their first appearance for the senior national team was particularly encouraging.
“The future has announced itself,” Adeboye said. “Two players were given an opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior level, and both responded with goals. That should excite every Nigerian who believes in the enormous talent we have in this country.”
The Presidential aide commended Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for providing opportunities for emerging players, stressing that national-team renewal depends on creating room for deserving talents to prove themselves.
According to Adeboye, the performance also strengthens the case for a more deliberate pathway connecting grassroots and youth football with professional clubs and the 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 somewhere to go,” he said.
“Somewhere in our communities today is another young player dreaming 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 evening when Madagascar threatened to frustrate the three-time African champions.
He said qualification campaigns often produce difficult matches and stressed that the ability to recover 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 beginning their Super Eagles journeys with goals, and we also celebrated Moses Simon reaching 100 appearances. That is the transition every strong football nation needs — experience alongside emerging talent.”
Adeboye urged the Super Eagles to quickly turn their attention to their next qualifying assignment against Guinea-Bissau, insisting that the victory over Madagascar should provide confidence rather than complacency.
“Three points are important, but the journey has only started. Learn from this game, correct the weaknesses and keep moving forward,” he said.
“To Ilenikhena and Usor, congratulations. You have shown young Nigerian footballers that when opportunity comes, preparation matters. Keep working, remain humble and keep making Nigeria proud.”
