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Adeleke targets WAFU B glory after brace fires Flying Eagles into semi-finals
Flying Eagles forward Abdulmuiz Adeleke says Nigeria “were waiting” for the decisive group game against Togo after his second-half brace secured a 3-0 win and sealed a place in the WAFU B U-20 Championship semi-finals.
The teenager struck twice after the interval, transforming a goalless first half into a comfortable victory and taking his tally at the tournament to four goals in two matches.
Adeleke had already announced himself with a brace in Nigeria’s 4-2 win over Ghana, and his latest performance against Togo earned him the Man of the Match award as the Flying Eagles booked their spot in the last four.
The striker stressed that, impressive as his own display was, the result and progression in the competition remained the squad’s sole focus.
“The game was a good game and we got the win,” Abdulmuiz told DagaShotz. “Obviously, this was the game we were waiting for to qualify us for the semifinals.”
Team objective ‘was always the semi-finals’
Adeleke described the contest with Togo as a key hurdle in Nigeria’s campaign, saying the group had been fully aware of the stakes going into the match.
He praised his team-mates for maintaining their composure after a tight first half and for converting their chances after the break to ensure Nigeria advanced.
He also underlined that reaching the semi-finals had been the Flying Eagles’ priority from the outset of the tournament, and that the players regarded the Togo fixture as the decisive step towards that goal.
Call for continued support
Looking ahead to the knockout stages, Adeleke urged fans at home to keep backing the team as they chase the regional title.
“I pray Nigerians keep supporting us to the end, hopefully we are going to win the trophy,” he noted.
The Flying Eagles will aim to build on their perfect start, having scored seven goals across their victories over Ghana and Togo while keeping a clean sheet in their most recent outing.
European interest grows
Adeleke’s form for Nigeria has come amid growing attention from major European clubs.
The forward has previously been linked with a move to Premier League side Chelsea, with reports suggesting the Blues are keen to sign him once he turns 18.
Allnigeriasoccer.com has reported that the youngster has already trained with both Chelsea and Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, and that he impressed during his sessions with the London side.
Those showings, combined with his performances for Nigeria at the WAFU B U-20 Championship, are understood to have reinforced Chelsea’s interest, while several other leading European teams are also monitoring his development as he approaches eligibility for a professional deal.