Flying Eagles forward Muiz Adeleke says the support from Nigerian fans has given him extra motivation to continue improving as he prepares for Sunday’s WAFU B U-20 Championship clash against Burkina Faso.
The Sporting Supreme striker has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the tournament, scoring four goals in two matches after finding the net twice in the Flying Eagles’ opening 4-2 victory over Ghana and continuing his impressive form in the competition.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the decisive encounter against Burkina Faso, Adeleke reflected on the emotional moment when supporters sang his name during Nigeria’s previous game against Togo.
The young forward admitted that hearing his name from the stands was a special experience at this stage of his career and has encouraged him to give more for both club and country.
"First of all, it was nice playing in the atmosphere, seeing the crowd and hearing them sing your name ," Adeleke said in a pre-match press conference on Saturday.
"It is something huge for me at this stage and at this point in my life because I’m just starting to play.
"For me, feeling this type of support motivates me to do more for my country and my team
Despite his impressive goalscoring record, the striker insists his main focus is not on personal achievements but on helping the Flying Eagles achieve their objectives at the tournament.
Nigeria are aiming to retain their WAFU B U-20 title and secure qualification for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, with Adeleke emphasising that team success remains his priority.
"I didn't actually think about how many goals I want to score before coming. The most important thing for me is to play and help my team so that we can become champions and qualify for Afcon.
"But talking about the goals, I just need to do my job as a striker and that's it," he added.
The forward also played down suggestions that scoring goals has become easy for him, explaining that every player has a specific responsibility on the pitch.
"It's just my role as a player. You know, on the field, there are 11 players, so the goalkeeper has his own role to play by making saves.
"Me, as a striker, my role is to score and help my team. The midfielder has his own role as well.
"So, it’s not actually easy like that, but you just need to know your job and do it," Adeleke explained.
Ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Burkina Faso, Adeleke called on Nigerian supporters to continue backing the team, promising that the Flying Eagles will give their best effort.
"I don't actually have much to say about it, but I hope they keep supporting us until the end of the tournament.
"Of course, we’ll fight until the end, and I promise we’re going to try our best to win tomorrow’s game before thinking about the next step," he concluded.
Wale Adejumo
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