Former Nigeria international and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Mutiu Adepoju, has praised the Super Eagles for their impressive performances at the 2026 Unity Cup in London, describing their displays as evidence of a team developing greater focus, discipline and competitiveness ahead of future international assignments, Completesports.com reports.
The former midfielder told Completesports.com exclusively that Nigeria’s victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica reflected encouraging progress under head coach Eric Chelle as preparations continue for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Adepoju reiterated that the Super Eagles displayed an incredible level of seriousness in Saturday night’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final of the 2026 Unity Cup Tournament at The Valley, Charlton, London.
The former Super Eagles midfieder, affectionately known as ‘Headmaster’, said that although he did not watch the final match, the result and performance of the new-look Super Eagles team in the two games they played during the tournament demonstrated significant improvement as they build towards upcoming competitions, particularly the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Super Eagles Results Reflect Positive Progress
“I didn’t watch the final match, I must confess. But the outcome of the final game against Jamaica, as well as the opening game result against Zimbabwe, showed that the team is beginning to get serious,” the former Shooting Stars SC midfield and later General Manager said.
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“Five goals in two competitive games without conceding any show that the team is indeed very serious, and I commend them for that.
“It’s a good performance to take into the next phase of their schedule after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle Deserves Credit For Introducing Fresh Competition
The 55-year-old former Racing Santander midfielder heaped praise on Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle for introducing fresh legs into the team.
He said bringing new players into the senior national team would help the coach build a stronger squad with healthy competition in every department.
“One good thing I’ve noticed in the team now is the introduction of new players.
“When you have hungry players competing for places in a team, then you can be assured that you have a strong team.
“A situation where the coach has options in terms of selection is very good and I think, in this way, the team’s future clearly looks brighter.”
Super Eagles Benefit From Inclusion Of NPFL Players
Coach Chelle has also opened the senior national team doors to a number of home-based players, and Adepoju commended the coach for the initiative.
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“Above everything else, having some Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players in the team is quite commendable.
“We all know that our domestic league has evolved, and it is only appropriate to give these players an opportunity in the Super Eagles.
“It gives confidence to the players. It helps to grow and market the domestic league. We all saw it happen during the Clemens Westerhof era. The ‘Big Boss’, the late Stephen Keshi, also did it and even won the 2013 AFCON with a Super Eagles squad that included several home-based players,” Adepoju recalled.
World Cup Absence Remains A Painful Reality
He, however, lamented the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“It’s very unfortunate and very painful, I must say. But life goes on,” Adepoju concluded.
