Daniel Bameyi is penning a script unlike any other in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup™. Two years on from leading Nigeria to the quarter-finals at Argentina 2023, he is spearheading the Super Eagles’ advance once again on Chilean soil, complete with the captain’s armband.
In Talca, on a night that saw one of the most exciting and unpredictable group stage matches of the tournament, the African side’s star player stepped up to take a penalty in the 94th minute. From the spot, he coolly converted to make it 3-2 against Saudi Arabia, securing his team’s first three points of the tournament and boosting their chances of qualifying for the Round of 16.
“The last time I took part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, I remember we lost in the quarter-finals to Korea Republic. This time I told my team-mates that we had to perform at our best from the first whistle to the last, and today we saw how the goal came in added time. I’m happy we got the three points after losing the first game,” Bameyi shared with FIFA after the win at Estadio Fiscal.
Bameyi feels right at home in South America. At the 2023 edition in Argentina, he was appointed captain at the tender age of 17 and became one of the standout players of the tournament. As a defensive stalwart, he was instrumental in helping his team overcome a tough group stage, beating Italy, who had knocked out the hosts Argentina in the last 16, and pushing Korea Republic into extra time.
This time around, following a disappointing opening match against Norway which saw Nigeria struggle to get on the scoresheet, the centre-back proved decisive in a match that could have gone either way. As a result of his performances and leadership, he has even earned a place in the senior national team.
“We were able to bounce back from the draws,” said coach Aliyu Zubairu. “We went ahead after ten minutes, but they equalised, then we got back in front and they drew level again. The lads understood that if we failed to get the three points in this match, we would edge closer to being knocked out of the tournament. So, we kept fighting to come out on top.”
Bameji played a crucial role in that effort. “Daniel is a standout player at this U-20 World Cup. As a 16-year-old, he went to the 2023 edition and excelled. That’s why we’re now building the team around him You can see how his experience guides the younger ones. He is a great leader who tells them what to do and sorts out any problems,” commended his coach in the mixed zone.
Despite not having a towering physique, the Bayelsa United centre-back is a ferocious, pacey defender who is unbeatable in one-on-one situations, with a great sense of positioning. He is the nerve centre of the Nigerian team.
Nigeria ranks among the storied international youth football powerhouses. The Super Eagles have won more titles than any other country at U-17 level. However, they have been unable to repeat this feat in the U-20 category, despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations seven times. In 1989 and 2005, they finished as runners-up in the World Cup after losing to Portugal and Argentina, respectively. Their Argentina 2023 campaign proved to be their best since reaching the quarter-finals in Colombia 2011 and, with Bameyi once again as captain, they dream of pulling off their best result ever.
“Nothing is impossible in football,” he said. “It’s a tournament that my country hasn’t managed to win yet, and I think we’ve got the quality in our squad to do what it takes. It would be fantastic for my country if we could bring the trophy home.”
