Flying Eagles midfielder Ayuma Israel has shared his excitement and gratitude following Nigeria’s campaign at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where the team clinched a bronze medal and booked a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Speaking after the team’s return to Nigeria, Ayuma described the tournament as a life-changing experience — both on and off the pitch.
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“It was a very good experience for me,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to represent Nigeria, meet new friends from other teams, and win a medal. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
While proud of the team’s efforts in Egypt, Ayuma quickly turned his focus to the bigger challenge ahead — the U-20 World Cup later this year.
“The World Cup is going to be a different experience entirely. Teams from all continents will be coming with their best, and we are not just going there to participate — we’re going with the mindset to win,” he declared.
The energetic midfielder emphasized the need for serious preparation ahead of the global tournament, calling on the team to train harder, stay disciplined, and remain united in pursuit of greatness.
“We know what’s at stake. We’ve seen our strengths, and we’ve seen where we need to do better. The mindset now is to improve and be ready to challenge the world,” he added.
Ayuma also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
“It was a privilege to wear the green and white. Thank you to every Nigerian who believed in us — we’ll make you even prouder at the World Cup.”
With his sights firmly set on Chile, Ayuma Israel is not just dreaming of a historic campaign — he’s determined to make it happen.
