The Golden Eaglets crash out in the 1989 Scotland quarter-finals

The 1995 tournament held in Canada was a bitter pill to swallow for the Golden Eaglets, and they were determined to make amends at the 1989 tournament which was hosted by Scotland. In a group made up of 1987 hosts Canada, China PR and tournament favorites Argentina, the Golden Eaglets were expected to advance to the quarterfinals with ease. Bookmakers were already tipping Nigerians for the trophy even before the tournament started.

They lived up to their billing in their first match, when they stunned Canada 4-0, with Kayode Keshinro scoring a brace in the 27th and 75th minutes before Babajide Oguntuwase and Victor Ikpeba put the game beyond the Canadians with two Magnificent goals at 56. and 78 minutes. They then drew 0-0 with Argentina in their second game. In their final group stage match against China, the Golden Eaglets defeated China PR with a resounding 3-0 drubbing, sending nervousness to other countries that were already avoiding the Golden Eagles. Olusegun Fetuga, Victor Ikpeba and Sunny Umoru were all on the scoresheet in a match that saw the Nigerians completely dominate the proceedings.

In the quarterfinals, the Golden Eaglets were paired with Saudi Arabia, with most sports analysts calling the match a David vs. Goliath rematch.
They were referring to physically large Saudis, compared to smaller Nigerians. However, the Golden Eaglets would not be intimidated as they battled back against the Saudis by a score of 0-0 in regulation time.

The game had to be decided on penalties as it was two years ago.

It was a match full of intrigue as the Golden Eagles came face to face with the giant goalkeeper from Saudi Arabia. The match eventually ended 2-0 in favor of the Saudis, who went ahead to lift the Trophy. The Nigerians were very unlucky as Bobolayefa Edun, Sunny Umoru, Patrick Mancha and Chiedu Anazonwu missed their shots from the penalty spot, while Saud Al Hammali and Jabarti Al Shamrani scored for Saudi Arabia to take the game beyond the penalty spot. hopeful boys from Nigeria.

Some players on the Nigerian Scotland 1989 squad later advanced to the senior team after flourishing at various clubs. First on the list was Victor Nosa Ikpeba, nicknamed “The Prince of Monaco.” Victor Ikpeba eventually won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1997. Benedict Akwuegbu, Godwin Okpara and Precious Monye are also notable names who stood out both at club and country.