Ado Salisu
Renowned Nigerian record producer and entertainment mogul, PuffyTee, has joined a growing list of public figures applauding the Super Eagles for their impressive outing at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
From the entertainment industry to the business community, and from Nigeria to South Africa, across Africa and beyond to Australia, sports administrators and football-loving Nigerians have continued to commend the national team’s performance.
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Speaking in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, PuffyTee described the Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign as a product of collective brilliance, tactical discipline and technical excellence, rating the team’s performance an impressive eight out of ten.
“Under the leadership of Coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles displayed tactical and collective brilliance for the world to see. Everywhere in the world, it’s all about the Super Eagles’ impressive performance,”
According to him, the team’s third-place finish goes beyond just winning a bronze medal.
“It’s not just another bronze medal as some may say, but a statement of strength and character. It proves that we are still a force to reckon with in African football and that Nigerians never back down,”
The producer, best known for producing Olu Maintain’s hit song Yahooze, singled out Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Stanley Nwabali and Alex Iwobi as standout performers during the tournament.
“The players of the day for me were Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, the heroic shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali, and Alex Iwobi. Everyone did well, but these four were exceptional. By every measure, this campaign deserves an 8 out of 10 they were strong, inspiring and full of promise,”
PuffyTee also praised the Super Eagles for their mental strength following their semi-final defeat to Morocco.
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“Although the semi-final loss was very heartbreaking, they showed resilience, bounced back and reminded us that setbacks are just a phase,”
While commending the team, he urged the technical crew to continue improving tactical approaches and game plans.
“At times the team plays above par, but football on the continent is evolving. We need to step up our game in terms of interchange, strategy and style of play. Nonetheless, we still remain a force to reckon with,”
Looking ahead, the globally recognised hitmaker called for urgent investment in grassroots football and youth development to sustain Nigeria’s success.
“If Nigeria is to rise by 2027, we must act now. We have to invest in youth development and in our local league, building academies for young talents,” he said.
He further highlighted structural challenges affecting football development in the country.
“One of my sons is a talented goalkeeper who trains every day. Whenever I watch him, I see potential that just needs to be groomed. There are pathways for young stars outside the country, but here, there is none. Just look at our stadiums let me not even go there,”
An ardent Arsenal fan, PuffyTee emphasised that empowering coaches and football managers is critical to grassroots development.
“We must empower coaches and managers and invest in the NPFL. This is one of the major reasons many players end up playing for other countries. It’s not that they don’t want to play for Nigeria, but there is fear look at how bonuses are delayed or unpaid.
“These are not dreams; they are necessities. If we address these issues, Nigeria will continue to dominate the football scene,”