The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fulfilment of promises made to the Super Eagles as “another historic first in Nigerian sports administration.”
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Adeboye reacted following the presentation of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for housing and land grants to members of Nigeria’s silver-medal team from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, an exercise carried out in Fez, Morocco, ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening match at the 2025 AFCON.
According to the presidential aide, the timely delivery of the rewards—barely two years after the pledge was made and before the commencement of another major tournament—marks a clear departure from past practices where similar promises lingered unfulfilled for decades.
“This is unprecedented in the history of Nigerian sports,” Adeboye said.
“For the first time, our players are seeing government promises fulfilled within a short time frame and even before representing the country again. President Tinubu has broken another record.’
He noted that the gesture sends a powerful message to Nigerian athletes across all sports that hard work, patriotism and excellence will be honoured without delay under the current administration.
Adeboye further explained that the President deliberately directed that the pledge be redeemed before the 2025 AFCON as a morale booster for the team and a statement of trust in Nigerian athletes.
“This is leadership by example. It shows that this administration values commitment and understands the emotional and psychological importance of rewarding athletes promptly,” he added.
The SSA emphasized that such actions strengthen confidence within the national teams and inspire younger athletes at the grassroots to believe that representing Nigeria comes with dignity, respect and tangible support.
“As the Super Eagles begin another continental campaign, they do so knowing that their country stands firmly behind them. That assurance alone is a major motivation,” Adeboye stated.
Adeboye also commended NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General Bukola Olopade, and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for ensuring the President’s directive was fully implemented before AFCON 2025 kicked off.
The SSA further stated that the gesture has significantly boosted the morale of the Super Eagles as they prepare to face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in Group C, with the ultimate goal of lifting Nigeria’s fourth AFCON title.
“This action has restored belief—not just within the Super Eagles camp, but across Nigerian sports. It proves that under this administration, performance is rewarded and promises are kept,” Adeboye added.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to rally behind the team, noting that sports unity, fairness and accountability remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda, especially as Nigeria seeks to reclaim continental glory in Morocco.
