Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has expressed satisfaction with the Super Eagles’ hard-fought 2–1 victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The hosts suffered an early scare when Madagascar capitalized on a swift transition to beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and silence the home crowd.
Read Also:2027 AFCONQ: Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor On Target As Super Eagles Edge Out Madagascar 2-1
However, Nigeria responded before the interval when debutant George Ilenikhena netted in stoppage time to level the score.
After the restart, captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi elevated the tempo, driving the team’s dominance from midfield.
Second-half substitute Moses Usor capped off the pressure with a brilliant solo effort to seal all three points for the Super Eagles.
Reacting after the full-time whistle, Adepoju in a chat with Completesports.com, emphasized that securing the maximum points was the primary objective despite the early setback.
Read Also:AFCON 2027Q: Chelle Unveils Super Eagles Starting XI Vs Madagascar
“It’s a good way to start the qualifier with a victory, not minding that we conceded first. The most important thing is that the team won against Madagascar. I am delighted that we have so many options that can play for the Super Eagles and that’s a very good development.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming fixture against Guinea-Bissau, Adepoju noted that selection choices remain in the hands of the technical crew.
“It is left for the coach to know who he wants to start… He knows the composition of the team right from the beginning and will definitely know who to start.”
2 Comments
What interest me most in SE set up is Eric Chelle,the man is bold and competent because our local Coaches wouldn’t give players like George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor chances to exploiting in SE. rather they would be parading the same old legs to detriment of the team.
Keep it up, Chelle.
You have array of stars in your possession to choose from as SE players.
African Football is no more totally believe in underdogs and greenhorns.
You know a man who want to succeed from his attitude and work ethic, Chelle have displayed a high level of commitment towards his job even with crisis in NFF, a feat our local coaches cannot display. Our local coaches are all after what they can gain instead of to build their image and career. One can noticed the coach is trying to build a formidable team A, a reliable team B and pool of standby players who can fit in the tram whenever they are called on.
This is what we called commitment to work and eagerness to succeed and progress in one’s career. Our local coaches have more to learn, alot to learn.