Former Nigeria international, Sam Elijah, M.O.N has revealed the secret behind the success of the National U-20 at their outing to Saudi Arabia ’89 World Cup.
Elijah in 1989 was part of the Nigeria U-20 team that placed second at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship.
Reminiscing the outing in a recent interview , the one time Coach of Crown FC, Ogbomoso said the achievements has given him vision to visible success with a golden dream.
Recalling the moment, “Nigeria was down by 4-0 and we were able to equalized within only about 15 minutes to the end the game, it was an unforgettable memory in the history of football all over the world, it was a dream come true, I was so overjoyed after the game.
The tourney was special to Elijah who was eventually dubbed the “damman miracle” due to his last minute equaliser against USSR team in the Semi-final of the competition, Nigeria later lost out on penalties.
He drew a distinct line between the process of players selection to the National team then and now, the Technical Director of Kwara Football Academy, Ilorin things were done on merit and nobody will influence the process.
He believes the determination of the team, extraordinary skills and focus had spurred them to triumph in the adjudged unimaginable feat.
Elijah during his scintillating career which was cut short by injury played for Kwara Bombers, 3SC, Sharks FC and BBC Lion of Gboko here in Nigeria.
Beyond the shore of the country, he also plied his trade with Akha Al Alay of Beruit , Al Nijimah of Saudi Arabia.
