Nigeria vs Benin: Former Nigerian governor and senator praises two Super Eagles star for coming through his academy

Former governor of Kwara said Bukola highlighted Olakunle Olusegun and Benjamin Fredrick from the Super Eagles squad that blew away the Benin Republic in Uyo. 

Olakunle was playing his second game as a Super Eagles star, while Benjamin Fredrick had been slowly establishing himself as a regular since he broke into the team during the Unity Cup. 

Olakunle currently plays for FC Pari Nizhniy Novgorod in the Russian Premier League, while Fredrick currently plays in Belgium with FCV Sender. However, both players came through ABS (Abubakar Bukola Saraki) FC Academy in Ilorin.

Saraki, who was Nigeria's Senate President from  2015 to 2019, highlighted that they came through his academy and celebrated their performance against the Benin Republic.

“So proud to see Olakunle Olusegun making his full competitive debut for the national team in our crucial final World Cup qualifier,” he said on X. “Coming through the ranks of the ABS Ilorin Academy to the Super Eagles.

“I am also super proud to see Benjamin Fredricks, who also rose through the ranks at the ABS FC Ilorin Academy, out there with the Super Eagles.

“Both Kunle and Benjamin are clear examples of why investing in young people through grassroots sports matters. 

“Moments like this make it all worth it. I am praying that we’ll have something big to celebrate at full-time.”