Blue Ocean FC's Eiber Cup run: 10-man start, 8-1 win and ex-Nigeria U17 coach Haruna reflection

In a heartfelt reflection, former Nigeria U17 team assistant coach Bunmi Haruna has shared the invaluable lessons learned while leading Blue Ocean FC during the recent 2025 Eiber Cup in Lisbon, Portugal.

Haruna, who has had the privilege of working alongside esteemed coaches like Manu Garba and Nduka Ugbade with the Nigeria National U17 team, guided Blue Ocean FC to the semi-finals of the Eiber Cup held in Cascais, Lisbon from July 1st to July 8th, 2025.

The journey, however, was not without its challenges. Initially, the team faced the difficult situation of fielding only 10 players for their first two matches due to unforeseen travel issues faced by some team members. 

Despite this hurdle, they displayed resilience and determination, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Academia Chimoio and managing to hold Portugal-based Académico Alves to a goalless draw.

As the tournament progressed, the U19 side found their footing, exhibiting their true potential by decisively hammering Arsenal 72 FC 8-1, now with a complete squad. 

This victory must have felt like a breath of fresh air, inspiring confidence and unity among the players.

Their journey continued with an intense quarter-final showdown against TPE Academy from Madrid, a match filled with passion and excitement that Blue Ocean FC came from behind to snatch victory with a 4-2 win—a moment surely etched in their memories.

However, the heartache of the semi-final loss to Nzalang Madrid, ending the tournament with a narrow 1-0 defeat, was palpable for the team. 

Yet, Coach Haruna took this setback in stride, expressing a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences gained throughout the tournament.

"The Eiber Cup has been a wonderful opportunity for me and the boys," he shared with genuine emotion.

"We faced strong opponents and learned so much from every match. Our focus remains on nurturing the next generation of Nigerian talent, inspired by the greatness of players like Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and more, who once walked a similar path."

As one of the promising young coaches in Nigerian football, Haruna aspires to build on the legacy of revered Nigerian coaches.

"I hope to follow in the footsteps of Emmanuel Amunike, Manu Garba, and other top coaches who have successfully led Nigerian teams in international competitions of this calibre," he remarked, filled with hope and determination.

Blue Ocean FC, a team backed by the visionary Lagos-based businessman Otunba Olumide Adekunbi, continues to strive for excellence, forging ahead with a spirit of resilience and commitment to growth.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel