Softfootball Media speaks with Sulaiman “Pooja” Adebayo, widely known as Pooja Media, a prominent Nigerian sports journalist, content creator and accredited FIFA, UEFA and CAF photojournalist, ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar in Uyo.
With the Super Eagles missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Pooja believes Nigeria must respond strongly and make a statement when they begin their AFCON 27 qualifying campaign.
According to Pooja, Nigeria cannot afford a slow start and must approach the Madagascar game with intensity and purpose. He wants the Super Eagles to use the opening fixture to send a message to the other teams competing for a place at the next Africa Cup of Nations.
He believes the team should “start your qualifiers like a house on fire” and show its intention from the opening game.
Pooja also discussed the new players brought into the Super Eagles squad, including Moses Usor, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena, as well as goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
He welcomed the increased competition within the squad, particularly in goalkeeping, where he believes Okonkwo’s arrival adds another strong option for head coach Éric Chelle.
Pooja also highlighted the versatility of some of the new players, noting the importance of having footballers capable of operating in multiple positions, particularly with competition for places in midfield and defence.
The arrival of new attacking options also excites Pooja, especially with Victor Osimhen unavailable for the Madagascar fixture. Rather than focusing on the absence of the Galatasaray striker, he believes the situation provides an opportunity for the new players to step forward and prove themselves at international level.
Let these new guys come on board and do the business.
However, Pooja acknowledged that Osimhen remains an important player for Nigeria and admitted that the Super Eagles will miss his presence.
He also reflected on Nigeria’s previous World Cup qualifying campaign and stressed the need for the current squad to show that the team can compete and succeed even without its star striker.
For Pooja, the Madagascar game is therefore about more than simply collecting three points. He wants the Super Eagles to demonstrate their ambition, give the new players an opportunity to establish themselves and begin the road to AFCON 2027 with a strong performance.
