In an inspiring story of resilience and talent, 16-year-old Tahir Maigana, born and raised in Maiduguri, Borno State, has earned a spot in Nigeria’s U20 national team ahead of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
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Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has long been affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced thousands and led to the creation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Despite these hardships, Maigana’s football skills have stood out.
Currently playing for Wireless Football Club in Abuja, Maigana is a naturally gifted left-footer, admired for his creativity and vision on the field.
His selection by Coach Aliyu Zubairu underscores his potential to make a meaningful impact on the continental stage.
The 2025 U20 AFCON will take place from April 27 to May 18 in Egypt, with 13 nations vying for the title and four qualification spots for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Nigeria has been placed in Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya. The Flying Eagles will kick off their campaign against Tunisia on May 1, face Morocco on May 4, and conclude the group stage against Kenya on May 7.
The top two teams in each group will automatically advance to the quarterfinals, while the best third-placed teams will also have a chance to progress.
Nigeria is aiming for one of the four available World Cup slots and ultimately, the tournament trophy. Among those trusted to help achieve that goal is newcomer Tahir Maigana from Maiduguri.
His journey from the trials of life in an IDP camp to the international football stage is a powerful reminder of what perseverance and raw talent can achieve.
