Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, has commended the Super Eagles for their extraordinary extra-time comeback victory over Gabon, describing the performance as “a display of true Nigerian spirit, resilience, and championship identity.”
Speaking from Morocco — where he is currently with the team — Adeboye said the players demonstrated exceptional courage, discipline, and national pride as Nigeria surged into Sunday’s continental playoff final with a commanding 4–1 result after extra time.
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“This team showed heart, hunger, and the true identity of Nigeria. Today, the Super Eagles reminded Africa who we are. The boys fought like lions, and the nation is proud,” Adeboye said.
The tense match nearly ended in regulation time when Simon Moses came inches from grabbing the winner, his added-time strike beating the goalkeeper but missing the post by a whisker.
That moment only fueled Nigeria’s determination.
Seven minutes into extra time, Wilfred Ndidi powered through midfield before feeding Chidera Ejuke, who finished with precision to restore Nigeria’s lead.
Two minutes later, the brilliant Benjamin Frederick broke forward from defence and played a perfect pass to Victor Osimhen, who smashed home his 30th goal for Nigeria in his 45th appearance.
Osimhen then lit up Morocco with a sensational second goal — chesting down a floated ball, dancing past two defenders, and stroking it beyond Mbaba for his 31st international goal, now just six behind Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record.
Ndidi almost added a fifth late on before Mbaba’s fingertip save.
Adeboye praised the commitment of the players and technical crew, stressing:
“This victory belongs to every Nigerian. The players, coaches, and officials have shown purpose and belief. Now, our full focus shifts to DR Congo on Sunday.”
He reaffirmed the government’s continued support under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda:
“Nigeria is moving forward. Our football is moving forward. And when we stand together, we are unstoppable.”
The Super Eagles will now face DR Congo in Sunday’s decisive final at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan in Morocco.
