Episode 7: The U-13 World Cup Begins – Nigeria vs. Japan

Episode 7: The U-13 World Cup Begins – Nigeria vs. Japan

Two years had passed. Tunde was now 12 years old. After years of relentless training, sweat, and sacrifice, he had finally made it to the Nigeria U-13 national team. It was a dream come true, but the journey was far from over.

The U-13 World Cup had begun, and Nigeria’s first match was against Japan. The stadium in Madrid, Spain, was packed with fans from all over the world. The green and white Nigerian flags waved proudly in the stands. Tunde stood with his teammates in the tunnel, his heart racing as they walked onto the pitch.

Coach Samson gathered the team before kickoff.

Coach Samson: "Boys, this is it! Everything you trained for starts now. Play with confidence, play with your heart, and show the world what Nigeria is made of!"

The referee blew the whistle. The match began!

First Half – Japan Starts Strong

Japan came out with intense energy. They played with quick, short passes, trying to break through Nigeria’s defense.

In the 10th minute, Japan’s striker Hiroshi Tanaka dribbled past two defenders and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Goal! Japan 1-0 Nigeria.

Tunde clenched his fists. He refused to let this match slip away.

Nigeria Fights Back

Nigeria responded aggressively. Daniel, the fast winger, made a blazing run down the left flank. He cut inside and passed to Sule, who immediately flicked the ball to Tunde at the edge of the box.

Tunde controlled it, turned quickly, and struck the ball with his right foot.

GOAL!!! Nigeria 1-1 Japan (25’)

Tunde pumped his fist in the air as his teammates jumped on him in celebration. He had just scored Nigeria’s first goal in the U-13 World Cup!

Second Half – The Decisive Moments

The second half was intense. Both teams created chances, but the goalkeepers made incredible saves.

In the 65th minute, Japan won a free kick near the penalty box. Their captain, Ryota Nakamura, curled a stunning shot toward the top corner.

Goal! Japan 2-1 Nigeria.

With just 10 minutes left, Nigeria needed a miracle.

Tunde’s Moment of Magic

Nigeria pushed forward with everything they had. In the 75th minute, Sule intercepted a pass in midfield and sent a long ball toward Tunde.

Tunde controlled it on his chest, dribbled past one defender, then another. As he approached the penalty box, he saw the Japanese goalkeeper rushing out.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Tunde chipped the ball over the keeper!

GOAL!!! Nigeria 2-2 Japan (76’)

The stadium erupted! The Nigerian fans were screaming!

The Final Blow – Last-Minute Winner

The match was almost over, but Nigeria had one last attack.

In the 80th minute (final minute), Tunde received the ball on the right wing. Instead of shooting, he sent a perfect cross into the box, where Daniel sprinted in and smashed the ball into the net with a powerful header!

GOAL!!! Nigeria 3-2 Japan (80’)

The referee blew the whistle. Nigeria had won their first match!

Tunde fell to his knees, overwhelmed with emotion. He looked up at the sky and whispered:

"Mama, I did it."

His journey had only just begun. Next up: Nigeria vs. Brazil.

Episode 8: A Clash with Brazil

After the thrilling 3-2 victory against Japan, Nigeria had made a strong statement in the U-13 World Cup. But the challenge was far from over. Their next match was against Brazil, one of the tournament favorites.

Tunde and his teammates knew this would be their toughest test yet. Brazil had fast wingers, skillful midfielders, and a deadly striker named Felipe Santos, who had already scored two goals in their last match.

Pre-Match Talk

Before the game, Coach Samson gathered the players in the locker room.

Coach Samson: "Brazil will come at us with speed and skill. But we are not here to watch them play. We are here to WIN! Stick to the plan, play smart, and fight for every ball!"

The team roared in agreement. Tunde took a deep breath. This was his chance to prove himself against the best.

Kickoff – Brazil’s Early Dominance

From the first whistle, Brazil controlled possession. Their midfield passed the ball effortlessly, moving Nigeria’s defense around.

In the 10th minute, Felipe Santos received a through ball, sprinted past Chinedu, and slotted the ball into the net.

Goal! Brazil 1-0 Nigeria.

Nigeria was struggling. Brazil was pressing high, forcing mistakes.

Tunde Leads the Fightback

Tunde refused to let his team go down without a fight. He started dropping deep, helping the midfield regain control.

In the 23rd minute, Sule won the ball and sent a long pass to Daniel on the left wing. Daniel crossed it into the box.

Tunde made a quick run and met the ball with a diving header!

GOAL!!! Nigeria 1-1 Brazil (24’).

The Nigerian fans erupted in celebration.

Second Half – A Battle of Champions

The second half was intense. Both teams created chances, but the goalkeepers made incredible saves.

In the 55th minute, Brazil got a corner kick. The ball was whipped in, and their defender Rodrigo Silva jumped highest, heading it past the Nigerian keeper.

Goal! Brazil 2-1 Nigeria.

Nigeria needed something special.

Tunde’s Moment of Brilliance

With just 5 minutes left, Sule intercepted a pass and launched a counterattack.

Tunde sprinted down the right wing, beating two defenders with a clever dribble. As he reached the edge of the box, he saw the goalkeeper rushing out.

Instead of shooting, he faked a shot, cutting inside past the last defender, then curled the ball into the top corner!

GOAL!!! Nigeria 2-2 Brazil (75’).

The stadium went wild! Tunde had scored a world-class goal!

Final Minutes – A Last-Second Heartbreak

Nigeria tried to hold on, but in the final minute, Brazil won a free kick just outside the box.

Felipe Santos stepped up and curled a stunning shot over the wall into the net.

Goal! Brazil 3-2 Nigeria (80’).

The referee blew the final whistle. Nigeria had lost, but they had fought like warriors.

Tunde walked off the pitch with his head held high. They still had a chance to qualify for the next round.

Next match: Nigeria vs. Argentina. A must-win game.

Episode 9: Do or Die – Nigeria vs. Argentina

After the heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Brazil, Nigeria’s hopes of advancing in the U-13 World Cup depended on their next match. They had to beat Argentina to qualify for the knockout stage. Anything less, and their dream would be over.

Tunde sat quietly in the locker room, thinking about the match ahead. Argentina was a strong team, known for their aggressive pressing and a dangerous playmaker named Mateo Fernandez.

Pre-Match Team Talk

Coach Samson: "Boys, we have no choice but to win today. Argentina will try to outplay us, but we must be smarter. Defend as a team, attack as a team, and trust each other!"

The team shouted in agreement.

Tunde clenched his fists. "This is my moment. I will not let my team down."

First Half – A Nightmare Start

The match began, and Argentina came out attacking. Their passes were sharp, their movements fast.

In the 8th minute, Mateo Fernandez dribbled past two defenders and struck a powerful shot into the top corner.

Goal! Argentina 1-0 Nigeria.

Nigeria was in trouble. They struggled to hold possession, and Argentina pressed hard.

In the 20th minute, Argentina struck again. A long-range shot from Carlos Romero deflected off a defender and into the net.

Goal! Argentina 2-0 Nigeria.

Tunde’s heart sank. They were two goals down in just 20 minutes.

A Fightback Before Halftime

Nigeria refused to give up. In the 30th minute, Daniel made a brilliant run down the left and crossed the ball into the box.

Tunde leaped into the air and met the ball with a powerful header!

GOAL!!! Argentina 2-1 Nigeria (31’).

That goal gave Nigeria hope. Before halftime, Sule intercepted a pass and sent a through ball to Tunde.

Tunde cut inside, faked a shot, then curled the ball into the bottom corner!

GOAL!!! Argentina 2-2 Nigeria (40’).

The referee blew for halftime. Nigeria had come back from 2-0 down!

Second Half – A Battle of Nerves

Both teams came out fighting in the second half. Argentina nearly scored in the 55th minute, but goalkeeper Musa made a stunning save.

Nigeria kept pushing. Tunde, Sule, and Daniel combined beautifully in attack, creating chances.

In the 70th minute, Daniel received a pass from Sule and fired a rocket shot from outside the box!

GOAL!!! Argentina 2-3 Nigeria (71’).

The stadium erupted! Nigeria had taken the lead for the first time in the match.

Final Minutes – Holding On for Victory

The last 10 minutes were full of tension. Argentina threw everything forward, trying to equalize.

In the 78th minute, Mateo Fernandez took a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Musa dived to make an incredible save!

Nigeria defended with everything they had. Chinedu made a crucial tackle in the final minute.

The referee blew the final whistle.

FULL-TIME: Argentina 2-3 Nigeria.

Nigeria had done it! They had qualified for the knockout stage!

Tunde fell to the ground, exhausted but overjoyed. His dream was still alive.

Next match: Quarterfinals vs. France.

Episode 10: Quarterfinal Clash – Nigeria vs. France

After their thrilling 3-2 victory over Argentina, Nigeria had advanced to the quarterfinals of the U-13 World Cup. Their next opponent? France, a well-organized team with a rock-solid defense and a deadly striker, Louis Dubois, who had already scored five goals in the tournament.

Tunde knew this match would be the hardest yet. Win, and they would be in the semifinals. Lose, and their dream would be over.

Pre-Match Preparation

The night before the game, Tunde sat in the locker room, tying his boots. Sule and Daniel walked over to him.

Sule (grinning): "Omo, tomorrow go tough o, but we no go fear!"

Daniel: "Na true. France sabi play, but we sabi play too."

Tunde smiled. He loved his teammates’ confidence.

Just before heading to bed, Coach Samson gathered the team.

Coach Samson: "France will try to control the game with their passing. We must stay disciplined, press them hard, and take our chances. Boys, this is our moment!"

The team shouted in unison. They were ready.

First Half – A Tactical Battle

From the kickoff, France dominated possession, moving the ball quickly across the field. Nigeria defended deep, waiting for the right moment to counterattack.

In the 15th minute, Louis Dubois broke free inside the box and fired a powerful shot.

But goalkeeper Musa made an incredible diving save!

Nigeria struggled to break through France’s defense, but in the 30th minute, Tunde finally got a chance.

Sule sent a long ball over the defense. Tunde sprinted past the last defender, controlled the ball with his chest, and volleyed it toward goal!

The ball smashed against the crossbar and bounced out!

Still 0-0 at halftime.

Second Half – Moments of Brilliance

The second half started with France attacking aggressively.

In the 50th minute, a defensive mistake allowed Louis Dubois to shoot from close range.

GOAL! France 1-0 Nigeria.

Nigeria was in trouble. 30 minutes left to save their dream.

Tunde Takes Over

Nigeria pushed forward desperately.

In the 63rd minute, Daniel made a brilliant run down the left, cutting inside and passing to Tunde.

Tunde faked a shot, sending the defender the wrong way, then curled the ball into the top corner!

GOAL!!! France 1-1 Nigeria (64’).

The Nigerian fans erupted!

Last-Minute Drama

With just 5 minutes left, both teams were pushing for a winner.

In the 78th minute, France won a corner kick. The ball was whipped into the box, but Musa punched it away.

Nigeria counterattacked immediately.

Sule sent a long pass to Tunde, who was already sprinting toward goal.

Tunde reached the ball, but two defenders were closing in on him fast.

With a brilliant first touch, he flicked the ball between them, burst into the box, and chipped it over the goalkeeper!

GOAL!!! France 1-2 Nigeria (79’).

The stadium exploded! Nigeria had taken the lead with just one minute left!

Final Whistle – Nigeria in the Semifinals!

The referee blew the whistle.

FULL-TIME: France 1-2 Nigeria.

Nigeria had done it! They were through to the semifinals!

Tunde fell to the ground, overwhelmed with emotion. His teammates surrounded him, celebrating wildly.

As they walked off the pitch, Coach Samson patted Tunde on the back.

Coach Samson: "You played like a champion today. But we are not done yet!"

Next match: Semifinals vs. Germany.

Episode 11: Heartbreak in the Semifinals – Nigeria vs. Germany

The U-13 World Cup semifinals had arrived, and Nigeria was just one step away from the final. Their opponent? Germany, a physically strong and well-organized team known for their disciplined defense and precise finishing.

Tunde and his teammates knew they were in for the toughest match of their lives. The pressure was immense, but their dream of lifting the trophy was still alive.

Pre-Match Motivation

In the locker room, Coach Samson stood before the team. His eyes were filled with determination.

Coach Samson: "Boys, you have come this far because you believed in yourselves. You have fought harder than anyone expected. Now, let’s give everything we have! Play with your heart, play for your families, play for Nigeria!"

The team roared in agreement. They were ready for battle.

First Half – A Fierce Battle

The match kicked off, and from the start, Germany dominated possession. Their midfield controlled the ball, forcing Nigeria to defend deep.

In the 15th minute, their captain Jonas Müller unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box.

Goal! Germany 1-0 Nigeria.

Nigeria was behind early, but they didn’t panic. They responded with quick counterattacks.

In the 32nd minute, Sule intercepted a pass and sent a brilliant through ball to Tunde, who sprinted past the defenders.

Tunde took one touch and smashed the ball into the net!

GOAL!!! Germany 1-1 Nigeria (33’).

The Nigerian fans erupted!

The first half ended 1-1. It was still anyone’s game.

Second Half – Tension and Drama

Germany started the second half with high intensity. In the 55th minute, they won a free kick near the penalty box.

Jonas Müller curled a stunning shot into the top corner.

Goal! Germany 2-1 Nigeria.

Nigeria was running out of time. With just 10 minutes left, they needed a miracle.

In the 78th minute, Daniel dribbled past a defender and sent a cross into the box.

Tunde rose high and headed the ball into the net!

GOAL!!! Germany 2-2 Nigeria (79’).

Nigeria had equalized in the dying minutes! The match would be decided by a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout – The Moment of Truth

Both teams gathered in the center circle. The stadium was silent.

Germany took the first penalty – Goal.

Nigeria’s first penalty – Goal.

Germany’s second penalty – Goal.

Nigeria’s second penalty – Goal.

Germany’s third penalty – Goal.

Nigeria’s third penalty – Goal.

Germany’s fourth penalty – Goal.

Nigeria’s fourth penalty – Goal.

Germany’s fifth penalty – Goal.

Now, it was Tunde’s turn. If he missed, Nigeria would be eliminated.

Tunde took a deep breath. He stepped forward, placed the ball, and stared at the goalkeeper.

He ran up… struck the ball hard…

And the goalkeeper saved it.

Germany 5-4 Nigeria (Penalties).

Tunde fell to his knees in disbelief. Nigeria had lost.

The Aftermath – Pain and Hope

Tunde walked off the pitch, tears streaming down his face. His teammates tried to console him, but the pain was unbearable.

Coach Samson knelt beside him.

Coach Samson: "I know this hurts, son. But you should be proud. You played your heart out. This is not the end—it’s only the beginning."

Tunde wiped his tears. He had come so far, but the dream had slipped away.

As Nigeria left the tournament, the fans still cheered for them. They had made history, reaching the semifinals for the first time.

Tunde looked up at the sky and whispered, "I will come back stronger."

Next goal: The U-15 World Cup.

Episode 12: The Fight for Third Place – Nigeria vs. Spain

After the heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Germany, Nigeria had one more chance to end the U-13 World Cup on a high note. They would face Spain in the third-place match.

The players were exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Tunde especially was still hurting from his missed penalty. But Coach Samson reminded them:

Coach Samson: "You have one last match to show the world who you are. Win this, and you go home as heroes!"

Tunde clenched his fists. He wasn’t leaving without a medal.

First Half – A Shaky Start

Spain started aggressively, dominating possession. Their midfield was sharp, passing the ball with precision.

In the 12th minute, their striker Alejandro Ruiz dribbled past two defenders and fired a low shot into the corner.

Goal! Spain 1-0 Nigeria.

Nigeria was struggling. Tunde, Sule, and Daniel tried to create chances, but Spain’s defense was solid.

Just before halftime, Tunde got fouled near the box. Sule stepped up for the free kick.

Sule curled a beautiful shot into the top corner!

GOAL!!! Spain 1-1 Nigeria (39’).

The first half ended 1-1. Nigeria was back in the game!

Second Half – Tunde’s Redemption

Coach Samson made some tactical changes, pushing Nigeria to attack more.

In the 50th minute, Daniel sprinted down the left wing and crossed the ball into the box.

Tunde timed his run perfectly and smashed a volley past the goalkeeper!

GOAL!!! Spain 1-2 Nigeria (51’).

Tunde ran to the sideline, punching the air. This was his redemption!

Spain fought back hard, creating dangerous chances. In the 70th minute, they almost equalized, but goalkeeper Musa made a fantastic save.

Final Minutes – Sealing the Victory

With Spain pushing forward, Nigeria had space for a counterattack.

In the 78th minute, Sule won the ball and sent a long pass to Tunde, who was already sprinting.

Tunde dribbled past the last defender and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper!

GOAL!!! Spain 1-3 Nigeria (79’).

The referee blew the final whistle!

FULL-TIME: Spain 1-3 Nigeria.

Nigeria had done it! They had finished third in the U-13 World Cup!

The Celebration – A Bronze Medal for Nigeria

As Tunde and his teammates lifted the third-place trophy, they felt immense pride.

Tunde looked at the crowd, remembering how far he had come—from selling pure water on the streets to winning a medal on the world stage.

Coach Samson patted his back.

Coach Samson: "This is only the beginning, Tunde. Bigger things are coming."

Tunde nodded, smiling. The next dream? The U-15 World Cup.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***