The Golden Eaglets crash in the quarter-final of Scotland 1989

The 1995 tournament held in Canada was a bitter pill to swallow for the Golden Eaglets, and they were determined to make amends in the 1989 tournament which was hosted by Scotland. In a group consisting of 1987 host Canada, China PR and tournament favorite Argentina, the Golden Eaglets were expected to advance to the quarterfinals with ease. Bookies were already tipping Nigerians for the trophy even before the tournament started.

They lived up to their billing in their opening game, when they stunned Canada 4-0, with Kayode Keshinro scoring a brace on 27 and 75 minutes before Babajide Oguntuwase and Victor Ikpeba put the game past the Canadians with two magnificent goals at 56 and 78 minutes. They then drew 0-0 with Argentina in their second game. In their final group game against China, the Golden Eaglets defeated China PR in a resounding 3-0 thrashing, sending jitters to other countries already avoiding the Golden Eagles. Olusegun Fetuga, Victor Ikpeba and Sunny Umoru were all on the scorer’s sheet in a fixture that saw the Nigerians completely dominate the proceedings.

In the quarterfinals, the Golden Eaglets were matched up with Saudi Arabia, with most sports analysts calling the match a David vs. Goliath rematch.

They were referring to the physically large Saudis, compared to the smaller Nigerians. However, the Golden Eaglets would not be intimidated as they battled the Saudis to a 0-0 scoreline in regulation time.

The game had to be decided on penalties as it happened two years ago.

It was a game full of intrigue as the Golden Eagles came face to face with the giant goalkeeper from Saudi Arabia. The match ultimately ended 2-0 in favor of the Saudis, who went ahead to lift the Trophy. The Nigerians were extremely unlucky as Bobolayefa Edun, Sunny Umoru, Patrick Mancha and Chiedu Anazonwu all missed their kicks from the penalty spot, while Saud Al Hammali and Jabarti Al Shamrani scored for Saudi Arabia to take the game beyond the hopeful boys from Nigeria.

Some players from the Nigerian Scotland 1989 team later advanced to the senior team after flourishing at various clubs. First on the list was Victor Nosa Ikpeba, nicknamed “The Prince of Monaco.” Victor Ikpeba eventually won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1997. Benedict Akwuegbu, Godwin Okpara and Precious Monye are also notable names who rose to prominence at both club and country.