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.

READ ALSO: George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor’s Debut Goals Save Super Eagles From Home Defeat By 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 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.”

Nigeria-born prolific winger Fatai Kowiyu Olamidé, popularly known as “Etowo,” has secured a major career move after committing his future to Cavaliers FC of Nikki in the Benin top-flight league.

Sports247 reports that the talented winger, who currently plays for Boriya FC, has reportedly agreed to a three-season contract with Cavaliers FC following his outstanding individual performance at the fourth edition of the Baruten Challenge Cup, Nikki 2026.

Kowiyu emerged as the Best Player of the Baruten Challenge Cup 2026, delivering a string of impressive performances that attracted the attention of scouts, clubs and football stakeholders during the competition.

His displays for Boriya FC underlined his attacking qualities and consistency throughout the tournament, ultimately earning him recognition as the competition’s standout player.

That impressive campaign has now opened the door to a new challenge, with Cavaliers FC of Nikki securing his services for the next three seasons.

The move represents a significant milestone in the career of the Nigerian-born winger, whose performances at grassroots level have now earned him an opportunity to compete at a higher level in Benin.

For Olamidé, popularly called Etowo, the transfer provides a fresh platform to continue his development, gain valuable experience and test his abilities against stronger opposition.

His progression also highlights the role grassroots competitions such as the Baruten Challenge Cup can play in providing talented players with visibility and pathways to higher levels of the game.

With the three-year commitment to Cavaliers FC now in place, attention will turn to how the talented winger adapts to his new environment and continues his football journey in the Benin top flight.

From being crowned the Baruten Challenge Cup 2026 Best Player to securing a long-term move across the border, Kowiyu Olamidé has taken another important step in his football career.