Super Eagles Achieved Key Goals During Unity Cup, Russia Friendlies, Says Gusau
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Super Eagles during the recently concluded Unity Cup and international friendlies in Russia, stating that the national team achieved its key objectives.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Gusau highlighted that the matches were designed to assess the team’s readiness, provide opportunities for new players, and strengthen tactical understanding among the squad.
According to him, despite mixed results on the pitch, the overall outcome was highly positive from a developmental perspective.
“Our goals going into the Unity Cup and the friendlies in Russia were clear. We wanted to give new players a chance, test different tactical formations, and improve overall team chemistry. I am pleased to say we achieved all of these objectives,” Gusau said.
The Unity Cup, which took place in London, was not only a footballing event but also a national initiative aimed at promoting unity and peace through sports. It featured the Super Eagles playing against selected teams from within Nigeria and the West African region. Gusau noted that the competition allowed home-based players and emerging talents to gain valuable experience and exposure.
Following the Unity Cup, the Super Eagles traveled to Russia where they played two international friendly matches. The fixtures, which took place in Saint Petersburg and Krasnodar, offered the technical crew an opportunity to assess the players’ response to European opposition and challenging playing conditions.
While the team managed a draw and suffered a narrow defeat, Gusau said the lessons learned were far more important than the results.
“The matches in Russia were always about preparing for the bigger picture. We faced quality opposition in a challenging environment. That kind of test is essential if we are to be truly competitive in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers,” he stated.
Gusau reaffirmed the NFF’s commitment to building a competitive team that balances experience and youth. He praised head coach and his staff for their clear direction and tactical approach, and pledged that the federation will continue to support the team with the necessary resources for future success.
He also hinted at further international engagements in the coming months as part of continued preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
“We are focused on long-term planning. The era of short-termism is over. What we are building now is a sustainable, competitive team for the future – not just for today’s tournaments but for the next generation of Nigerian football,” he added.
The Super Eagles are expected to regroup later this month for the next phase of their World Cup qualifiers.
