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.”

The post “The Future Has Announced Itself” — SSA Adeboye Hails Ilenikhena, Usor as Debut Goals Lift Super Eagles appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Flamingos maintained their perfect run at the 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup with a commanding 2–0 victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro on Thursday.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the perfect start when she struck in the fourth minute, putting the Flamingos in front at the Lycée Scientifique.

The early goal allowed Nigeria to settle into the contest as the Flamingos protected their advantage through the remainder of the first half.

Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a response after the restart, but Nigeria remained disciplined and continued to threaten on the counter.

The Flamingos eventually doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute, with Pattra Oparanmegwa finding the back of the net to put Nigeria firmly in control.

The victory extends Nigeria’s perfect record in the competition, with the Flamingos now having won all four of their matches.

Nigeria had earlier opened their campaign with a 5–0 victory over Niger Republic before defeating Ghana 4–2 and overcoming Burkina Faso 2–0.

Against Burkina Faso, Mary Dunstan broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Adegbuyi struck in stoppage time to seal the win.

The victory over Côte d’Ivoire therefore represents another impressive display from the Flamingos, who have continued to combine attacking quality with defensive discipline throughout the tournament.

The hosts entered Thursday’s encounter as Nigeria’s closest challengers in the standings, having collected six points from their opening three matches. Côte d’Ivoire had also demonstrated their attacking threat with a 9–0 victory over Niger Republic before facing the Flamingos.

Nigeria, however, maintained their superiority in the decisive encounter, with Adegbuyi’s early strike and Oparanmegwa’s second-half finish securing another three points.

The result takes the Flamingos to 12 points from four matches, strengthening their position at the top of the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup standings.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final fixture of the competition against Guinea, as coach Hakeem Busari’s side look to complete the tournament with another victory.

The WAFU-B competition is also serving as valuable preparation for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where the Flamingos will compete against North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland in Group B.

The post WAFU – B U-17: Adegbuyi, Oparanmegwa Fire Flamingos Past Côte d’Ivoire appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

The EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another action-packed round of fixtures on Matchday 5, with Sporting Lagos producing one of the biggest results of the round while Rangers International, Barau FC and Shooting Stars all secured important victories.

READ ALSO: EuroMatch NPFL: Enyimba Stunned Again! Sporting Lagos Complete 3-2 Comeback in Aba

Sports247 reports that in Aba, Sporting Lagos stunned nine-time champions Enyimba FC 3-2, completing a remarkable comeback after the home side took the lead through Stanley Dimgba in the 44th minute. Tobi Iyanda extended Enyimba’s advantage in the 55th minute, but Sporting Lagos responded emphatically.

The visitors levelled in the 51st minute before Haruna Hadi put Sporting Lagos ahead in the 65th minute. Daniel Aboh added another four minutes later to complete the turnaround and condemn Enyimba to another defeat.

Rangers International continued their strong campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Ranchers Bees. Iwundu scored in the 53rd minute to hand the defending champions another valuable three points.

At home, Barau FC defeated Abia Warriors 2-0. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola doubled the advantage in the 61st minute.

Bendel Insurance also secured a home victory, edging Ikorodu City 2-1. Chinedu Nwosu converted from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, while Alex Oweilayefa struck in the 84th minute. Aderemi Adeoye had earlier scored for Ikorodu City in the 80th minute.

In Ilorin, Kwara United defeated Nasarawa United 2-1. Sanni Muhammed gave the hosts an early lead in the 12th minute before Jofrank Istifanus equalised for Nasarawa United in the 29th minute. AbdulSalam A. restored Kwara United’s advantage in the 65th minute.

Shooting Stars recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Katsina United, with Olanrewaju Ridwan and Qamar Adegoke finding the net.

Doma United and Plateau United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, while Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves shared the points after a goalless encounter.

In Lagos, Inter Lagos drew 1-1 with Kano Pillars. Ubong Friday, assisted by Ahmed Musa, put Pillars ahead in the 33rd minute before Bashir AbdulKareem levelled in the 76th minute.

The Matchday 5 action continues on Thursday when Rivers United, the Pride of Rivers, face Kun Khalifat FC. With the campaign gathering momentum, another round of NPFL drama awaits.

The post EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 5: Sporting Lagos Shock Enyimba as Rangers, Barau FC Pick Up Vital Wins appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.