I once missed my way in Morocco during WAFCON 2024 thanks to a misunderstanding with Google Maps, and yes… it happened again in Toronto.
But before the “lost and found” episode, I had an amazing experience at the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto. One thing everyone knows about Canada is its diversity, people from different continents, cultures, and backgrounds all in one space. And when football, music, food, and drinks are involved, the crowd definitely shows up.
I came to watch Canada vs Switzerland and ended up catching Morocco vs Haiti as well. And honestly, why would I go home when Brazil were playing Scotland next? Of course, I stayed.
There was also time to catch up with fans around the festival (videos on our social media), alongside a first-hand taste of Coca-Cola. I was curious if it tasted like the one back home, and it didn’t. The festival was a vibrant mix of young and old moving from game to game.
You had to be there; the silence when Switzerland scored against Canada, the roar when Canada equalised, the buzz when Vinícius Jr. scored, and the mixed reactions to a disallowed goal or Neymar coming on. Then Scotland fans chanting “No Scotland, no party” like it’s a lifestyle, and Morocco fans erupting when the goals started pouring in.
By the time I got home, I was tired but fulfilled. Except… it was matchday -1 for Senegal and Iraq press conferences the next day.
Then came the plot twist.
I missed my stop on the way to the Toronto stadium and ended up in a part of Toronto I didn’t know, in steady rain that felt like a quiet reminder this was on me.
Then I saw him, a man who looked like he came bearing directions like it was his full-time job. I explained my situation, and he gave me a route so simple it made Google Maps look complicated. One train, and I was back on track.
We ended up talking about Nigeria, work, family, and sports, the usual travel-survival conversation. And before you ask, I forgot where he was from. Don’t judge me, I had the information in my head for about five minutes before it disappeared. I just remember it’s a small island in the West Indies.
A wise, elderly man, clearly experienced in rescuing lost journalists like me (though, according to him, that’s not his job). He has been a driver for over 25 years and once played different sports before age and injuries slowed him down. We took a picture before parting ways, and he even suggested I visit Niagara Falls.
One thing I’ve learned so far is that this city can actually organize your life if you let it. Everything has structure, timing, and order. You just need to keep up.
Now my second live match coverage is here, and I’m genuinely looking forward to it, especially watching Sadio Mané, who I hope turns up.
Hopefully… I don’t miss my stop again.
