Sunday marked one week since I landed in Toronto for this World Cup journey. I’ve covered two games so far, but it already feels like I’ve experienced far more than that.
One of those games was the African champions, Senegal. They progressed into the Round of 32 and became the first African team in World Cup history to score five goals, with the quality of their finishing standing out. It was a proud moment to see an African team produce that level of performance on this stage.
I also had the chance to speak to Iraq international and former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal. It was one of those interviews that stays with you, not just because of who he is, but because of how grounded and open he was. Some people make your job easier without even trying, and he was one of them.
Outside the football, I’ve been slowly figuring out Toronto itself. I randomly got off at an unknown bus stop, sat down, and just watched the city move. Eventually, I learned a new stop, boarded another bus, and made it to my destination. Google Maps is finally starting to make sense, and that alone feels like progress. It’s been a learning curve navigating the city, but I’m beginning to find my way around a bit more comfortably now.
One of my favourite parts of this whole experience, aside from press conferences, is the quality of answers you get from players and coaches before and after matches. There’s something satisfying about hearing a manager like Iraq head coach Graham Arnold break down a game with honesty and clarity. Those are the moments that remind you why you’re there.
Then there are the small comforts that keep everything together, like the hot shower when I get back. People say the weather here is good this time of year, but coming from Nigeria, where I’m still adjusting to the cold and rainy conditions, I wear jackets almost all the time. And honestly, those shower moments hit different. Most times I don’t even want to get out, but I know I can’t sleep there.
Food hasn’t really been much of an issue in the adjustment. I remember searching for Nigerian dishes in Morocco last year, but it’s not quite the same here. Big shout out to Rachael and Happiness, I’m really grateful for them.
One thing about tournaments, media work, and travelling is the people you meet along the way. Networking happens naturally. Since arriving, I’ve met amazing people, top professionals and genuinely good humans. For someone who grew up quite quiet and reserved, this job is definitely pulling me out of that shell and shaping me in ways I didn’t expect.
The Colombia fans at the FIFA Fan Festival were also one of the highlights of my week. The passion, the energy, the vibes, and yes, the free salsa I somehow ended up watching, were peak moments. To top it off, Colombia finishing top meant I’ll get to watch and cover Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes’s Portugal team live here in Toronto, along with Luka Modrić for a second time.
Before that, there are still more trips to the fan festivals and of course Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
There are still more people to meet, more moments to unpack, and more stories waiting to happen. I’ll save the rest for the next entry.
