Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has challenged Nigeria’s U-23 national team to prove their quality on the pitch, warning that talent alone will not guarantee qualification for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations or a place at the Olympic Games, Sports247.ng reports.
The former Real Sociedad star, popularly known as the Headmaster, expressed confidence in the abundance of football talent across Nigeria but questioned whether the country’s emerging players have consistently demonstrated the standards required to succeed internationally.
Speaking ahead of the Olympic Eagles’ crucial qualifying fixtures against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Adepoju stressed that the invited players must recognise the importance of the opportunity before them.
“I believe we have talent in Nigeria, but the only thing is that they have not been living up to standard,” Adepoju stated.
The former international insisted that Nigeria possesses enough promising footballers to compete successfully, provided the players demonstrate greater commitment, discipline and determination.
He expressed optimism that the current generation could eventually establish itself as a competitive force, particularly if the players take advantage of opportunities to represent the country.
“I just believe one of these days, they will be able to play and prove themselves and make sure that they qualify,” he explained.
Adepoju emphasised that qualification must remain the immediate priority, warning against focusing prematurely on the Olympic Games without first securing the necessary results.
“Qualification is the first step. When they qualify, then they can now prepare very well for the Olympics,” he stressed.
The former midfielder also urged the technical crew to concentrate on preparing the squad adequately for the challenges ahead rather than becoming distracted by expectations.
For Adepoju, the responsibility ultimately rests with the players to justify their selection through performances that demonstrate their readiness for international football.
“What I just think they should do now is play, and play very well, to make sure that they qualify,” he added.
His remarks serve as a timely challenge to Nigeria’s home-based U-23 hopefuls, who must seize their opportunity against DR Congo and demonstrate that domestic football still possesses the quality required to compete at the highest level.
For the Olympic Eagles, the message is clear: potential means little without performances, and qualification must be earned on the pitch.
