Nigerian Football
“This is my Story”, says Nigeria’s ex-international Taye
Twenty years ago, Taye Taiwo, then 20-years-old, saw his career take a major turn: a signature at Olympique de Marseille, a continental title with Nigeria, and a FIFA U-20 World Cup where he won the Bronze Ball, behind Lionel Messi and his compatriot John Obi Mikel.
Before revealing himself to the world, it was on the African stage that the left-back laid the foundations of his rise, playing a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2005 edition of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
This tournament remains a pivotal moment in his career. Alongside a golden generation led by John Obi Mikel, Isaac Promise, and Chinedu Obasi, Taiwo stood out with his physical power, powerful shots, and natural leadership.
Under Samson Siasia’s guidance, the Flying Eagles dominated the competition with flamboyant play and deadly efficiency.
In the final, they defeated Egypt 2-0, claiming their fifth continental title and securing their FIFA U20 World Cup in the Netherlands.
This African title was much more than just a victory for Taiwo.
For someone who had just joined Marseille, the 2005 U-20 AFCON edition was a foundational step, opening the way to the elite of world football, where he would shine by reaching the final of the World Cup.
In this interview, he shares his memories of this decisive period, the challenges he had to overcome and the influence of this title on the rest of his career.
CAFOnline: Twenty years ago, you played in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Benin. What was your mindset before the tournament?
Taye Taiwo: With the team we had at the time, we worked really hard. It wasn’t easy, but we were fortunate to have an experienced coach, Sam Siasia, who had played at the highest level, winning the senior AFCON in 1994. Before heading to Benin, we gathered in Lagos to prepare.
There was great competition within the group: some players came, others left, but those who stayed formed a real family. It was this sense of cohesion that allowed us to go far in the competition.
What were the expectations surrounding the team before the tournament?
Taye Taiwo: Before we left for Benin, many Nigerians doubted us. Some thought we could win, others didn’t. But we believed in our potential.
We worked hard and had the unwavering support of our coach, who instilled a conquering mentality in us. When we arrived in Benin, we were determined to show our superiority on the field and go for the title.
Our ambition was clear: we were there to win.
In the first match, you scored the first goal for Nigeria against the host nation, Benin (3-0 victory). How did you experience that moment?
Taye Taiwo: It was an exceptional moment for me. Playing in a U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is an immense opportunity for a young player. These tournaments are an incredible showcase.
All of Africa is watching, and it’s a chance to be noticed. Scoring in the first match was a great pride. That’s when I realized how important it was to seize every moment on the field.
In your opinion, what was the strength of Nigeria in this competition?
Taye Taiwo: Our collective. We had talented players like John Obi Mikel, who was very strong in midfield. The team was well-balanced: we had solid defenders, midfielders who could hold the ball, and effective forwards. Everyone knew their role. We defended together, attacked together. It was this unity that allowed us to become African champions.
What does did the title mean to you?
Taye Taiwo: It was a dream come true. When I was a kid, I played barefoot in the streets of my neighbourhood, watching great players like Jay-Jay Okocha or Nwankwo Kanu on TV. I’ve always dreamed of wearing the national team’s jersey.
Winning this title was a crucial step in my career. I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss, and I gave everything to make the most of it.
How did you celebrate the title?
Taye Taiwo: It was incredible! When we returned to Nigeria, we received a triumphant welcome. Thousands of people were waiting for us.
Even the president received us. We had a meal with him, and he congratulated us for our performance. Some players then signed contracts abroad, while others stayed in the country. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for each of us.
A few months later, you went to the U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands as African champions. What were your ambitions?
Taye Taiwo: We were highly motivated. The staff decided to keep the core of the team that had won the U-20 AFCON. We wanted to go as far as possible. Our coach warned us that the World Cup was a step up.
In Europe, the fields are different, the referees are stricter, and every mistake can cost you. We worked a lot on defensive discipline and analysed the videos of the opposing teams. We were ready for the challenge.
Your journey was impressive: victory against Ukraine (1-0) in the round of 16, against the Netherlands (1-1, 10-9 on penalties) in the quarter-finals, and Morocco (3-0) in the semi-finals. Then came the final against Argentina and a certain Lionel Messi.
Taye Taiwo: Yes, and what was crazy was that we shared the same hotel as the Argentinians.
We crossed paths with them at the restaurant, we observed them. We were ready for the final. Unfortunately, we conceded two penalties converted by Messi (2-1). He was already impressive at that age.
We gave it everything, but we lacked luck. Argentina was a very strong team, with players like Sergio Agüero. We were disappointed, but proud of our journey.
Looking back, what do you think about that year 2005?
Taye Taiwo: It was an unforgettable year. I signed with Olympique de Marseille, my first club, then I won the U-20 AFCON and reached the final of a World Cup. It’s something that very few players experience.
This team will always be special to me. The U-20 Africa Cup of Nations launched my career. I have incredible memories of it and a great sense of pride.
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Nigerian league leaders have extended their hold on the log with a 12-point gap after labouring to a hard-won victory over relegation struggling Plateau United.
Great thanks to debutant, Samson Olasupo whose 74th minute goal gave Remo Stars the maximum points. He came in on the half hour mark for Sikiru Alimi before becoming a scoring debutant.
The match was heading for a goalless draw after Remo Stars had missed a penalty kick in the first half and a goal in the 50th minute by Sikiru Alimi was questionably ruled offside by Referee Bashir Adamu Liman from Kaduna State.
The result has pushed the Remo side to 54 points but will wait till the conclusion of Monday’s match between Shooting Stars and Rivers United as the 12-point gap will certainly be narrowed by either a point or three.
Both Shooting Stars and Rivers United are tied on points at 42. A draw will reduce the gap with Remo Stars to 11 and a win by either side will see Remo Stars leading by nine points.
In Kano, the defending champion Enugu Rangers suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Kano Pillars and tumbled down the ladder to the fifth position on the log.
Bashiru Usman’s well-taken penalty gave the visitors the lead in the 33rd minute, but veteran defender Rabiu Ali restored parity three minutes before the end of the first stanza, and Jerry Alex scored the winning goal in the 60th minute.
Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United battled to a 1-1 scoreline in Abakaliki. The home side, Abia opened the score in the 31st minute through Sunday Megwo but the visiting Nasarawa side restored parity in the 37th minute via Mohammed Garba.
Bendel Insurance’s impressive five-match run was brought to a halt in Yenagoa following a 1-2 defeat by host, Bayelsa United. Bendel Insurance had not lost any match since the late-minute lone goal loss to Shooting Stars in Ibadan last month.
Interestingly, it was the away side that drew the first blood in the 36th minutethrough Kayode Solomon but the home side drew level in the added time of the first half through James Emorun before Bina Tombiri scored the winner in the 69th minute.
Former Champion, Enyimba revived the chances of top finishing with a lone goal away win at Niger Tornadoes. It was Joseph Atule’s strike in the 62nd minute that settled the score.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City handed a two-nil defeat to Heartland of Owerri with goals from Leonard Ngenge in the 9th minute and Ayomide Cole in the 59th minute of the match.
SUNDAY RESULTS
- Remo Stars 1-0 Plateau Utd
- Abia Warriors 1-1 Nasarawa Utd
- Bayelsa Utd 2-1 Insurance
- Kao Pillars 2-1 Rangers
- Ikorodu City 2-0 Heartland
- Tornadoes 0-1 Enyimba
Monday fixtures
- Shooting Stars Vs River Utd
- El Kanemi Vs Lobi
- Akwa Utd Vs Katsina Utd
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Sunshine Stars on Saturday beat Kwara United 4-2 in Ikenne to temporarily swim out of the relegation zone of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The win has pulled the team up to the 16th position, just a step above the sink line.
But their position at match day 27 will only be confirmed after Sunday’s matches.
Matches that are likely to affect Sunshine Stars’ standing are those of Abia Warriors versus Nasarawa United, Bayelsa United versus Bendel Insurance and the encounter between Akwa United and Katsina United.
The three-match ultimatum issued to the technical crew of Sunshine Stars seemed to have galvanised the troubled side into action.
Before now, they have been having a poor run in the final leg of the league in which they garnered just seven points out of the obtainable 21.
On Saturday, they sprang into action and got the opening goal in the 11th minute through Ahmadu Liman. He was the hero of the day, scoring a hattrick.
But 11 minutes after Liman’s opener, Kwara United drew level through Adesina Gata. In the 27th minute, Kwara United went ahead through Wasiu Alalade.
Sunshine Stars were gifted a goal by Kwara United’s Olaniyi Saheed. A minute into added time, Liman put Sunshine ahead at 3-2, before completing his hat-trick three minutes after the second half resumed.
According to Opta Nigeria, Liman’s hattrick for Sunshine Stars is the earliest hattrick scored in the NPFL since Yusuf Abdullahi scored for Kano Pillars (33′ vs Gombe Utd) in December 2023. Rejuvenated.
Sunday’s Fixtures
- Kano Pillars v Enugu Rangers
- Abia Warriors v Nasarawa United
- Remo Stars v Plateau United
- Bayelsa United v Bendel United
- Ikorodu City v Heartland
- El Kanemi Warriors v Lobi Stars
- Niger Tornadoes v Enyimba
- Shooting Stars v Rivers United
- Akwa United v Katsina United
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The Nigeria Football Federation has continued the search for clarity concerning the tragic death of former Nigeria U20 player, Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda on Monday.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, reiterated on Friday that the country’s football-ruling body has kept its feet on the throttle regarding the matter, and will not relent until the truth is unveiled on the cause of the player’s death.
Lawal died on Monday morning, with initial reports saying he died in a motorbike accident, and later in a car crash.
Hours later, the Ugandan Police stated that he actually died after falling from the third floor of a hotel at the Voicemail Shopping Mall in Bwebajja. He was said to have been at the mall to visit a friend, Tanzanian lady Naima Omary, who moved into the hotel a month earlier.
Omary has since been taken into custody by the Ugandan Police.
“We are not relenting in the search for truth. The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed the determination to dig out the truth, and ourselves have reached out to our counterparts in the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to help us find out the truth.
“The circumstances surrounding the player’s passing remain steeped in mystery, but we are committed to doing the little we can to shed light on it and help the Federal Government in its quest for truth.”
Hours after the unfortunate incident on Monday, Sanusi put a call through to his opposite number in FUFA, Edgar Watson Suubi, to call for urgent assistance in getting to the root of the matter.
Suubi responded that “it is a sad situation. I also have received divergent reports on the incident, but I have delegated somebody to go and find out what happened, and then we’ll be able to send you a copy of the report from either the Police, the Medical or any authority that’s in the position to give us a satisfactory answer.”
The NFF followed up Sanusi’s phone conversation with a formal letter, in which it disclosed that “there has been so much outcry in our country with regards to the mystery of his death, and I have decided to reach to you, as a colleague, to help shed light on how the player actually met his end.
“It is a very sad situation for us in Nigerian football and for his family, and it is important to get these facts to enable some closure on his tragic passing. We would also like to know what arrangements are being made to get his remains back to his family in Nigeria.”
Lawal was a member of the Nigeria squad at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in New Zealand 10 years ago and was a key player for Ugandan elite division club Vipers FC before his demise.
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