Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi has added to the financial support for the Flying Eagles ahead of their high-stakes final against Ghana’s Black Satellites in the ongoing WAFU B U20 tournament in Lome, Togo, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nottingham Forest forward donated the sum of 2.5 million naira to motivate the Nigeria U20 national team as they aim to retain their status as the kings of the region.
Awoniyi’s contribution follows a similar gesture from Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who donated 5 million naira to boost the team’s morale ahead of their recent 3-1 semifinal victory over Niger Republic’s Junior Mena.
The wave of support for the Flying Eagles also includes notable contributions from other prominent Nigerians.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, provided 2 million naira, while Frank Peters, Chairman of Crystal Sapphire Ltd., donated 1.5 million naira, with a promise of additional support if the team overcame Niger.
Lagos State Football Association Chairman Alhaji Gafar Liameed also contributed 1 million naira.
In a statement, team media officer Sharif Abdullah confirmed these donations, acknowledging the widespread support the U20 squad has received from Nigerians.
The Flying Eagles bounced back from an opening-day defeat against Burkina Faso to reach the final after beating Cote d’Ivoire and Niger Republic.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, head coach Aliyu Zubairu highlighted the resilience his players have shown since their loss to Burkina Faso.
“I commend the boys; they showed real character to fight back and win the match. It was the same way they did against Côte d’Ivoire,” coach Zubairu said.
“We were disappointed when we lost to Burkina Faso in our opening game, but we have since bounced back to top reckoning.”
Having already secured a spot in next year’s AFCON U20 tournament, the Flying Eagles now set their sights on the WAFU B final against Ghana on Wednesday, aiming to retain the trophy they won two years ago.