Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi has increased the Flying Eagles’ financial assistance in advance of their crucial matchup with Ghana’s Black Satellites in the WAFU B U20 tournament, which is currently taking place in Lome, Togo.
The Nottingham Forest attacker gave the Nigeria U20 national team a donation of 2.5 million naira to help them stay motivated as they strive to maintain their position as the region’s dominant side.
Awoniyi’s gift comes after Wilfred Ndidi, a midfielder for Leicester City, raised the team’s spirits with a 5 million naira donation prior to their recent 3-1 semifinal triumph over Junior Mena of Niger Republic.
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Notable contributions to the Flying Eagles’ tsunami of support have also come from other well-known Nigerians.
Senator Barau Jibrin, the deputy president of the Senate, gave 2 million naira, while Crystal Sapphire Ltd. chairman Frank Peters gave 1.5 million naira, promising more money if the team defeated Niger.
Alhaji Gafar Liameed, the chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, also gave one million naira.
Team communications officer Sharif Abdullah acknowledged the broad support the U20 team has received from Nigerians in a statement, confirming these gifts.
After defeating Burkina Faso on the first day, the Flying Eagles defeated Cote d’Ivoire and Niger Republic to advance to the final.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu reflected on the team’s journey and emphasised the tenacity of his players following their defeat by Burkina Faso.
“I commend the boys; they showed real character to fight back and win the match. It was the same way they did against Côte d’Ivoire,” coach Zubairu said.
“We were disappointed when we lost to Burkina Faso in our opening game, but we have since bounced back to top reckoning.”
The Flying Eagles are now focused on the WAFU B final against Ghana on Wednesday in an attempt to keep the title they won two years ago, having already guaranteed a spot in the AFCON U20 tournament for next year.