One of the biggest joys of travelling is meeting people you probably would never have met back home.
A few days into the Commonwealth Games, one of my bosses, Osa Umweni, who used to stay in Lagos, sent me a message.
“So you are 54 minutes by train away from me.”
I smiled.
Mr Umweni now stays in Edinburgh, and before I knew it, an invitation had been extended.
With a break in my Commonwealth Games schedule, I boarded the train from Glasgow for the short journey to Scotland’s beautiful capital.
While waiting for him at Haymarket Train Station, something caught my attention:
Across the station was someone wearing Nigeria’s famous 2018 FIFA World Cup jersey; the green-and-white shirt that became a global fashion statement.
I couldn’t help myself. I crossed over and started a conversation.
His name was Leifson.
He was not Nigerian, but there he was, proudly wearing the Super Eagles jersey in the heart of Edinburgh.
That immediately got my attention.
Leifson told me he was a big fan of Nigerian football, and when I asked about his favourite Nigerian player, he answered without hesitation.
“Odion Ighalo.”
I must admit, I wasn’t expecting that.
We chatted about the Super Eagles, Nigerian football, the World Cup and his love for the beautiful game. He was heading to Glasgow for a concert but was happy to spare a few minutes to talk football with a Nigerian journalist.
Standing there in Edinburgh, thousands of kilometres away from home, football showed again that it truly speaks a universal language.
After my brief but memorable chat with Leifson, Mr Umweni arrived and gave me a warm Edinburgh welcome. He took me to Bonnie and Wild for a treat and was more than ready to help me explore more of the city.
READ ALSO: Glasgow 2026: Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju hails Ella Onojuvwevwo after ending Nigeria’s 32-year medal drought
Unfortunately, time was not on my side.
With Nigeria’s medal-winning feats scheduled for the evening session at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, I had to rush back to Haymarket Station to catch my train.
I left Edinburgh with a full stomach, a happy heart and another beautiful memory from this trip.
The Commonwealth Games brought me to Scotland for sports, but the unexpected meetings-the taxi drivers, the fans, the strangers who become friends-are adding colour to the journey.
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