Nigerian U15 forward Ayomide Adeleke says he is proud to have scored the decisive goal that earned Nigeria a 1–0 victory over Benin Republic in the WAFU B African Schools Football Championship, even though the win was not enough to send the team into the next round.
Adeleke, one of the youngest players in the squad, confidently converted from the penalty spot, a moment that showcased both his maturity and composure on the big stage.
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“Penalties require concentration. I stayed calm, focused, and I’m happy I scored,” he said.
Nigeria needed the win to keep qualification hopes alive, but despite Adeleke’s goal and a spirited team performance, they were eliminated on goal difference, bringing their campaign to an early end.
Despite the disappointment, Adeleke said he was honoured to contribute and believes the experience will make him and the team stronger.
“I’m happy I helped Nigeria win. Even though we didn’t go through, it’s still a big moment for me,” he added.
The young forward revealed that he received tremendous support from his teammates, who trusted him to take the crucial penalty despite his age.
“My teammates encouraged me. They believed I could score, and that gave me confidence,” he said.
Adeleke also praised the coaching crew for preparing the team well and instilling belief in the players, reminding them that wearing the Nigerian badge is a privilege at any age.
“The coaches told us to play with confidence because representing Nigeria is special. That motivated us a lot,” he explained.
He noted that international youth tournaments like WAFU B are essential for developing young players, teaching them responsibility, resilience, and how to handle pressure in tight matches.
“These games help us grow. We learn from every match, the good moments and the tough ones,” he said.
Looking ahead, Adeleke vowed to keep working hard to improve his game and push for more opportunities at higher levels in the future.
His final words reflected ambition and determination:
“This is just the beginning for me. I want to achieve more for Nigeria.”
