Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi has expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and to God following the team’s third-place finish at the TotalEnergies U‑20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. After a tense 1–1 draw with Egypt, Nigeria secured bronze by winning the subsequent penalty shootout 4–1.
“We give God the glory and thank all Nigerians for believing in us,” Bameyi said. He acknowledged that while a bronze medal wasn’t the initial aim, it remains a moment of pride. His remarks shifted swiftly to the team’s next ambition: the FIFA U‑20 World Cup in Chile.
Reflecting on their performance, the resolute defender spoke of areas in need of improvement, notably in goal-scoring. He affirmed that both coaching staff and players are united in sharpening these weaknesses ahead of the global event.
Bameyi also praised the team’s unity and thanked supporters. “This bronze is for the fans, our families, and everyone who stood by us. But we’re not done yet. There’s more to come from this team,” he declared. With the FIFA U‑20 World Cup just months away, the Flying Eagles will take a brief break before reconvening for preparations, fuelled by ambition and national pride.
Editorial
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We applaud Daniel Bameyi and his team for bringing home bronze at AFCON U‑20. The resilience they displayed, particularly in the penalty shootout against Egypt, demonstrates a maturity beyond their years. We see not only individual talent but a collective spirit poised for greater success.
It is clear that success at AFCON, while commendable, is merely a milestone—not the destination. Bameyi’s candour about aiming higher and improving ahead of the World Cup reflects an admirable mindset. As a united squad, they are diagnosing their weaknesses and confronting them head-on. That sort of preparation inspires confidence—not just in this team, but in Nigeria’s youth football system.
We believe the foundation is well and truly set. By focusing on their finishing and maintaining unity, the Flying Eagles can truly make an impact in Chile. Their journey confirms what we’ve long held: with leadership, self-awareness and ambition, this generation can lift Nigeria to new heights on the global stage. Let their bronze in Egypt be the springboard for silver or gold in Chile.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have competed in 13 FIFA U‑20 World Cups and were runners‑up in 1989 and 2005.
- Daniel Bameyi, born on 4 January 2006, plays for Yum Yum Academy and captained Nigeria’s U‑20 team at the 2023 U‑20 AFCON.
- The AFCON third-place match win over Egypt was secured via a 4–1 penalty shootout, after a 1–1 draw in regular time.
- he Flying Eagles have won the U‑20 AFCON a record seven times: in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015.
- Coach Aliyu Zubairu favours a high‑pressing 4‑3‑3 formation, a tactic he has used since retaining the WAFU B U‑20 title earlier in October 2024.
