It is popularly called the U-20 Men’s team of the country; “flying eagles”. The Nigerian Flying Eagles qualified for the first time to represent Africa at the FIFA World Youth Championship hosted by Mexico in 1983 alongside the Ivory Coast.
However, the Flying Eagles were unable to make it past the first round. In their opening game, they defeated the highly rated USSR 1-0 with the game-winner coming from Tarila Okoronwanta’s stands in the 78th minute of play, before losing 3-0 to Brazil and forcing the Netherlands to a goalless draw. .
In 1985, the Flying Eagles won the bronze medal at the FIFA World Youth Championship held in Russia. They qualified alongside Tunisia to represent Africa. The Flying Eagles began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Canada. On Monday Odiaka opened the scoring in the 1st minute of play, to enter the FIFA record book as the quickest goal scorer in the FIFA Under-20 tournament. Samson Siasia scored the second goal in the 78th minute to put the game past the hapless Canadians.
In their second game, the team was defeated by an experienced Russian side 2-1. Nigeria’s solitary goal came off Mark Anunobi’s stand in the 81st minute of play. However, they bounced back to record a shock 3-2 win over Australia in their final group game to qualify for the quarter-finals. Niyi Adeleye, Monday Odiaka and Mark Anunobi were all on the scorer list.
In the quarterfinal matchup with Mexico, the Águilas Voladoras recorded a stirring 2-1 victory over the top favorites in the competition to set up a semifinal clash with Brazil. The clash with the Mexicans was a tough nut to crack, as the Nigerians had to defend their lead in the closing minutes of the second half after Augustine Igbinabaro and Monday Odiaka gave Nigeria a comfortable first-half lead. The Mexicans recovered one through Victor Medina in 50 minutes of play, but it was not going to be their day as the Águilas Voladoras held on to record a famous victory.
In the semifinal match, the Brazilians proved to be too hot for the Flying Eagles, as they outscored them 2-0. The Flying Eagles, however, defeated the host USSR 3-1 on penalties, taking the bronze medal after the match ended 0-0 in regulation time. It was a tournament where Monday Odiaka won the Adidas Golden shoe award, after putting on a splendid display in the green and white colors of Nigeria.
