Fourty-three years after representing Nigeria at their first FIFA U-20 World Cup finals, members of Nigeria’s 1983 U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, are still pressing the Federal Government to monetise the scholarship it promised them for representing the country at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mexico after failing to fulfil the pledge, Completesports.com can exclusively report.
Flying Eagles Still Await Scholarship Promise Made Before Mexico ’83
Before departing for the World Cup in Mexico, the Federal Government hosted the team at a farewell ceremony at Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
It was during the event that the then President, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari, announced scholarships for every member of the team.
President Shagari also conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on the players and their officials.
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The 1983 Flying Eagles team, coached by the late Chris Udemezue, became the first Nigerian side—senior or junior—to feature at a FIFA World Cup finals.
Playing in Group D, the Flying Eagles, captained by the late Ali Jeje, defeated the Soviet Union (now Russia) 1-0 in their opening match, with Tarila Okorowanta scoring the historic winner. It was Nigeria’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup finals.
The team lost 3-0 to Brazil in their second group match before drawing 0-0 with Holland in their final group fixture. They finished with four points but narrowly missed qualification for the knockout stage.
Federal Government Yet To Fulfil Historic Reward
Forty-three years later, the Federal Government is yet to fulfil those promises. Sadly, no fewer than six members of the squad have since died, including Chris Anigala, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Raymond King and Ali Jeje, prompting the surviving players to request that the scholarship be monetised.
Ali Jeje, who captained the Flying Eagles during the historic campaign, died on 12 December 2007 without receiving either the scholarship or the MON award.
In keeping with the team’s spirit of unity, members of the 1983 squad rallied round the late Ali Jeje’s family in 2024 by jointly sponsoring the education of his son, Abdul Rahman Jeje, to help him realise his academic ambitions.
The players are now appealing to the Federal Government to ensure that their service, sacrifice and loyalty to the nation are not forgotten.
Flying Eagles Legends Remain Hopeful Of Government Action
Led by Paul Okoku, who is based in the United States, the players believe their reward for serving Nigeria and placing the country’s name on the global football map will eventually be honoured, regardless of how long it has taken.
“I remain hopeful, and I believe we should continue to exercise patience while keeping the faith,” one of the players, Paul Okoku, said.
Also Read: WAFU U-20 Tourney: Chelle Urges Flying Eagles To Stay Focused, Disciplined
Okoku recently participated in the week-long FIFA Legends and Diaspora Celebration hosted by the City of East Point, Georgia, in partnership with FIFA World Cup 2026 activities and FIFA Hospitality Programming.
The Nigeria U-20 Flying Eagles squad to the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship in Mexico comprised goalkeepers Wilfred Agbonavbare (late), Sunday Benson and Raymond King.
The defenders were Ali Jeje (captain, late), Yisa Shofoluwe, Taju Disu, Wahab Adeshina, Otti Amaechi, Patrick Udoh and Alphonsus Akhahon.
The midfielders included Paul Okoku (vice-captain), Dahiru Sadi, Dehinde Akinlotan, Chris Anigala, Manu Garba and Yemi Adebanjo.
The forwards were Humphrey Edebor, Tarila Okorowanta, Femi Olukanmi, Segun Olukanmi, Chibuzor Ehilegbu and Samson Siasia. The late Chris Udemezue served as head coach, while Isiaka Yakubu was the assistant coach.
