From Lagos streets to glory: Taye Taiwo reflects on winning U20 Afcon with Flying Eagles

Marseille legend Taye Taiwo has reflected on his journey to stardom, crediting the 2005 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a crucial stepping stone in his career. 

The tournament, where Nigeria emerged as champions, set the foundation for Taiwo’s rise in football, leading to a move to Olympique de Marseille and global recognition.

The left-back was part of a golden generation of Nigerian footballers that included John Obi Mikel, Isaac Promise, and Chinedu Obasi. 

Under coach Samson Siasia, the Flying Eagles played an exciting brand of football, dominating the competition in Benin. 

They capped off their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Egypt in the final, securing Nigeria’s fifth U-20 AFCON title and earning a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

Taiwo, who grew up playing football on the streets of Lagos, described the feeling of winning the tournament as the realization of a childhood dream.

"I played barefoot in the streets of my neighbourhood, watching great players like Jay-Jay Okocha or Nwankwo Kanu on TV,” he said in an interview with cafonline.

"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."

Nigeria’s road to the title was marked by determination and teamwork. Taiwo played a vital role in the squad, scoring Nigeria’s opening goal in a 3-0 victory against host nation Benin. 

His defensive contributions and attacking prowess made him one of the standout players of the tournament. 

The team’s unity and collective strength, he said, were key factors in their success.

“We had talented players, but more importantly, we played as a team,” Taiwo noted. 

"Our midfield was strong, our defence was solid, and our attack was clinical. Everyone worked together, and that made the difference."

Following their AFCON triumph, the Flying Eagles turned their focus to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they put on another impressive display. 

Taiwo was again a key player as Nigeria advanced to the final, overcoming tough opponents like Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Morocco. 

However, they fell short in the final, losing 2-1 to Argentina, with Lionel Messi scoring both goals from the penalty spot.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the world title, Taiwo remained proud of the team’s achievements. 

His performances in both tournaments caught the attention of European clubs, and he soon secured a transfer to Marseille, where he enjoyed a successful career.

Looking back, the 2005 U-20 AFCON remains one of the defining moments of his journey. 

“That tournament changed my life,” Taiwo admitted. "It gave me the platform to showcase my talent and opened doors for my future. I will always cherish those memories and be grateful for the opportunity to represent Nigeria.”

His story continues to inspire young footballers across Africa, showing that with hard work, dedication, and the right opportunities, dreams can become reality.

Wale Adejumo

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