The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Prince Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has urged the Super Eagles to approach their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with focus and determination.
Nigeria will begin its Group L qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Bissau a few days later to face Guinea Bissau in their second match.
Adeboye warned the team against complacency, stressing that every match must be treated seriously if Nigeria is to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON.
He also urged the players and technical crew, led by coach Eric Chelle, to show patriotism and avoid the mistakes that contributed to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the last World Cup.
His message was also linked to the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian athletes. Adeboye said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had continued to support sportsmen and women financially, morally and psychologically, and urged the Super Eagles to repay that commitment with strong performances on the pitch.
He said qualifying for next year’s AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, should be a priority for the team.
Adeboye also cautioned the players against underestimating Madagascar because of the team’s lower FIFA ranking. He noted that the Islanders have improved considerably and should not be regarded as an easy opponent.
Madagascar, coached by Corentin Martins, missed the last AFCON edition in Morocco but will be determined to make a strong return to the competition, he said.
Adeboye further reminded the Super Eagles of Madagascar’s impressive run at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where the team reached the quarter finals and defeated Nigeria 2 nil during the group stage.
He therefore called on the Eagles to give their best in Uyo and maintain the same level of commitment when they face Guinea Bissau in their next qualifying match.
The former World Cup qualification disappointment, he said, should serve as a reminder of the importance of starting the new campaign on a strong note.
