World Cup
VIDEO: From Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles to Canada’s World Cup Dream: The Remarkable Rise of Promise David
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
When Canada needed inspiration in their final Group B match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, coach Jesse Marsch turned to a striker whose journey to football’s biggest stage has been anything but conventional.
With Canada trailing Switzerland 2-0 and facing the prospect of ending the group phase on a disappointing note, Marsch introduced Promise David in the 75th minute. Barely 60 seconds later, the substitute announced himself on the global stage.
Latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Saliba, David stretched his long frame to steer the ball home with his very first touch of the match, reducing the deficit and injecting life into the Canadian comeback.
The goal may not have altered the final result, but it reinforced why the towering forward has become one of the most intriguing stories of the World Cup.
As Canada prepare to face South Africa in the Round of 32, David is emerging as a player capable of making the difference when it matters most.
For Nigerian football followers, his rise evokes both pride and regret.
Born in Canada to Nigerian parents, Promise Oluwatobi Emmanuel David Akinpelu once wore Nigeria’s colours. He represented the Olympic Eagles during the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations and appeared destined to become part of Nigeria’s future senior national team plans.
Instead, the striker eventually committed his international future to Canada, the country of his birth. FIFA approved the change of association, and he made his senior debut for Canada in 2025.
Today, he finds himself representing the co-host nation at the World Cup, fulfilling a dream he had nurtured for years.
His story was recently chronicled by Canada’s TSN television network, which detailed an extraordinary football journey that took him across continents before he finally found his breakthrough.
Unlike many modern professionals who emerge through elite academies, David’s route was forged through persistence and uncertainty. His career carried him through Croatia, the United States, Malta, Estonia and Belgium, often far from the spotlight and with no guarantee of success.
There were moments when the dream appeared distant, but the striker refused to abandon it.
Perhaps the most powerful symbol of his determination came during his time in Estonia. According to reports, David wrote “2026” inside his locker as a constant reminder of his ambition to play at the FIFA World Cup.
What appeared then to be an audacious target became reality when Canada named him in its 26-man squad for the tournament jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.
The striker’s club career has mirrored that remarkable ascent.
After developing his game in Malta and Estonia, he earned a move to Belgian giants Union Saint-Gilloise, where his goals helped the club capture its first league title in 90 years. His performances were rewarded with a contract extension running through 2029.
Those who know him best are not surprised by his progress.
In an interview with CBC journalist Chris Jones in Vancouver in May, David revealed an unusual habit.
“I have this weird thing where I can call out goals before I score them,” he said.
“I don’t know which game, but it will be in Vancouver.”
Weeks later, he delivered on that prediction.
Recalling his goal against Switzerland, David explained how instinct and anticipation helped him seize the moment.
“As the play was developing, I went to stand offside, give yourself a couple yards, because I knew the ball was going wide,” he said.
“Saliba made a great run inside and a great touch down.
“As I saw him touch down, I didn’t need to say much. I saw his eyes scan over to me, so I had two options: go first post or hang at the back.
“Saliba put a great ball straight through the defence. I’m just thankful I have long legs.”
That mixture of confidence, self-belief and perseverance has defined David’s career.
Now, as Canada enter the knockout rounds and prepare for a meeting with South Africa, the former Nigeria U-23 striker stands on the threshold of another milestone.
His journey serves as a reminder of the global reach of Nigerian football talent and the unpredictable paths that can lead to football’s greatest stage.
From the Olympic Eagles to Canada’s World Cup squad, from obscure leagues in Europe to the bright lights of the FIFA World Cup, Promise David’s story is one of resilience, ambition and the power of refusing to give up on a dream.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to produce remarkable statistics and historic milestones, with Senegal, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo all rewriting or pursuing records at football’s biggest tournament.
Senegal Set New African Benchmark
Senegal entered the history books on Thursday after their emphatic 5-0 victory over Iraq in Toronto. The Teranga Lions became the first African nation to score five goals in a single FIFA World Cup match.
The achievement surpassed previous African scoring records at the finals and underlined Senegal’s growing reputation as one of the continent’s strongest representatives on the global stage.
The victory also boosted Senegal’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds while providing African football with another memorable World Cup landmark.
Ronaldo Eyes Half-Century of International Victims
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could reach another extraordinary career milestone when his side faces Colombia in their final Group K match.
Should Ronaldo score against Colombia, the South Americans would become the 50th different national team he has scored against in international football.
The Portuguese superstar has spent more than two decades breaking records for club and country and already stands as the leading scorer in men’s international football history. Adding Colombia to his list of international victims would further strengthen his remarkable legacy.
Messi Chasing Unprecedented World Cup Record
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is also on the verge of making World Cup history.
The reigning world champion is seeking to become the first player ever to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches when Argentina face Jordan.
Messi has found the net in each of Argentina’s last six World Cup fixtures, a run stretching from the latter stages of Qatar 2022 into the current tournament.
A goal against Jordan would establish a new World Cup scoring sequence and add yet another chapter to the Argentine legend’s already glittering career.
Tournament of Records
With Senegal setting new continental standards and two of football’s greatest players continuing their pursuit of unprecedented achievements, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is proving to be a tournament rich in milestones.
As the group stage reaches its climax, fans around the world will be watching to see whether Ronaldo can reach his half-century of international opponents scored and whether Messi can create another piece of World Cup history.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
England will look to continue their march towards the knockout rounds when they face Panama, a side they famously overwhelmed 6-1 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The meeting in Nizhny Novgorod remains one of England’s most emphatic World Cup victories, with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick and John Stones adding a brace in a dominant display. Eight years later, Panama return hoping to produce a far more competitive performance against one of football’s traditional powers.
England have once again arrived at the tournament with lofty expectations and possess one of the deepest squads in the competition. Their attacking options have impressed in the group stage, while the defence has shown increasing solidity.
Panama, meanwhile, continue to embrace the underdog tag that served them well during their maiden World Cup appearance in 2018. The Central Americans know that a positive result against England could significantly boost their chances of progressing from the group.
While history favours England heavily, Panama will take encouragement from the unpredictability that has characterised several matches at the expanded 2026 World Cup.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Goals may be scarce when Croatia and Ghana meet in a clash that pits two of the tournament’s most organised defensive units against each other.
Croatia have built a reputation for discipline and resilience on the world stage, keeping five clean sheets in their last eight FIFA World Cup group-stage matches. The Balkan side once again appear difficult to break down and will rely on their experienced midfield to control proceedings.
Ghana, under the guidance of veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, have also become a difficult proposition. The Portuguese tactician has overseen seven clean sheets in his 15 matches as a FIFA World Cup head coach, underlining his emphasis on defensive structure.
The Black Stars are seeking a result that could strengthen their qualification hopes, while Croatia are determined to maintain their reputation as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.
With both teams prioritising organisation and tactical discipline, the encounter could be decided by a single moment of quality or a set-piece opportunity.
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