Super Eagles Show Renewed Determination with Unity Cup Victory – Adepoju

Former Nigeria international and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner Mutiu Adepoju praised the Super Eagles for their strong performances at the 2026 Unity Cup in London, saying their displays show a team that is becoming more focused, disciplined and competitive ahead of future international duties, Completesports.com reports.

The ex‑midfielder told Completesports.com exclusively that Nigeria’s victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica indicate encouraging progress under head coach Eric Chelle as preparations continue for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Adepoju reiterated that the Super Eagles showed an incredible level of seriousness in Saturday night’s 3‑0 win over Jamaica in the final of the 2026 Unity Cup Tournament at The Valley, Charlton, London.

The former Super Eagles midfielder, affectionately known as “Headmaster,” said that although he did not watch the final match, the result and the performance of the new‑look team in the two games they played during the tournament demonstrated significant improvement as they build toward 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.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Super Eagles Unity Cup Glory Has Restored Nigerians’ Confidence In The Team — Iroha

“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.

Also Read: Yusuf Bags Brace, Moffi Scores As Super Eagles Thrash Jamaica 3‑0 To Retain Unity Cup

“Above everything else, having some Nigeria Premier Football League 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.