Refugee-turned-rising star: Tahir Maigana earns Flying Eagles call-up

By Dayo Awoniyi

In a remarkable story of resilience and rising talent, 16-year-old Tahir Maigana has defied the odds to earn a place in Nigeria’s U20 national team ahead of the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Born and raised in Maiduguri, Borno State—a region plagued by years of insurgency—Maigana spent part of his childhood in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp. Despite the challenges of displacement, he discovered football as a source of hope and expression.

Now playing for Wireless Football Club in Abuja, Maigana has caught national attention with his left-footed finesse, creativity, and tactical vision on the pitch. His inclusion in Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles squad is not only a nod to his skill but also a powerful symbol of perseverance.

“Tahir’s story is a beacon of hope,” a team source told Sports Brief NG.

“He’s not just talented—he’s mentally tough, driven, and plays with heart. He’s earned this opportunity.”

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya. The Flying Eagles will open their campaign against Tunisia on May 1, followed by Morocco on May 4 and Kenya on May 7. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarterfinals.

Coach Zubairu has emphasized youth development and character in his selection, qualities that Maigana has demonstrated throughout his journey.

“His journey from an IDP camp to the national team shows what’s possible with belief, hard work, and opportunity,” said a Wireless FC official. “We’re proud to have been part of his growth.”

Maigana’s story has already begun to inspire many, serving as a reminder that dreams can flourish even in the most difficult circumstances.

As he prepares to wear the green and white jersey on the continental stage, the young midfielder is poised to not only represent Nigeria—but also every young dreamer who refuses to give up.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio