The day began with that strange mix of nerves and excitement that only big assignments bring. I woke up already thinking about what the day would look like, my first time covering a World Cup match live from the stadium.
Getting ready was quick, but the anticipation made me almost forget breakfast. I just wanted to be out the door. The match itself wasn’t until 7pm, but I was determined to arrive hours early, as if I might miss something important if I didn’t.
You know the former French Ligue 1 sponsor Uber Eats? Let’s just say getting around Toronto had that same “Uber Eats” energy in real life. The cost of movement in the city quickly made me understand why planning matters. I suddenly realised convenience here doesn’t come cheap.
A close friend helped guide me to a nearby mall where I got to sort out cash and a transit card so I could move between buses and trains instead of relying on taxis. In a way, it gave me a proper feel of the city rather than rushing through it.
From there, the real journey began, bus first, then train heading toward the stadium. That commute became its own experience. I wasn’t just travelling; I was already inside the story. Fans were everywhere, and conversations started naturally along the way.
One of the most memorable stops came when I met three Indian volunteers working at the stadium. We talked football, life, and of course, the endless Messi vs Ronaldo debate that never really goes away in the GOAT conversation.
By early afternoon, I finally arrived at the stadium. Even with kickoff still hours away, Croatian fans were already flooding the area. Flags, jerseys, chants, the atmosphere was building long before the players appeared. I spent time speaking with supporters, taking photos, and soaking in the energy before heading into the media centre.
After a short break inside, I stepped back out for more interviews and visuals. It was my first real taste of World Cup reporting at ground level, and it felt surreal, fast, noisy, alive.
Back inside, I ran into Bolarinwa Olajide, someone I had grown up listening to on Nigerian sports radio. Meeting him in person added another layer to the day.
We moved to the media tribune, took our seats, and prepared for kickoff. When the players walked out, the stadium lifted instantly. One thing stood out clearly: Croatia’s supporters, loud, passionate, and fully behind Luka Modrić, who was being celebrated for earning his 200th international cap.
Seeing Modrić live felt special. You understand more why people speak about him the way they do when you watch him in person.
After the final whistle, the work continued with the post-match press conference and discussions among journalists. FIFA also provided media gifts, a customised waist bag, alongside the familiar coffee that fuels long reporting days.
Eventually, it was time to leave. The journey back was another mix of buses and trains, with helpful strangers pointing me in the right direction when maps weren’t enough.
By the time I got home, it was close to midnight. That was when I finally had a proper meal, eba with ogbono soup, after a full day that began with cereal and a croissant at the media centre.
A bit of editing, writing, and posting followed… and then sleep came quickly. Senegal vs Iraq is next, but before then, something interesting is coming up. Stay tuned.
