Khali was halfway through breakfast when his phone buzzed with a message that made his heart stop.
From: Coach Roberts"Pack your bags, son. You've been called up to the Nigeria U-20 national camp. Congratulations."
For a few seconds, he just stared — speechless. Then it hit him all at once.His spoon clattered to the table, and he jumped up shouting, "YES!"
Teammates laughed and cheered around him. One yelled, "Nigeria's pride! Buy us suya when you return!"
Khali grinned so wide it hurt.He immediately called home.
"Baba!" he shouted when his father answered. "I made it! Nigeria U-20!"
His father's proud voice came through the crackling line."Ah, Khali, I told you! These legs would take you far one day! Your mother would be smiling right now, my son."
Khali's eyes glistened. "I'll make you both proud, Baba."
Reunion at the Camp
Two weeks later, Khali arrived at the training camp in Abuja. The green and white tracksuits, the smell of fresh-cut grass, the buzz of languages from every part of Nigeria — it felt like home and destiny all at once.
Then he saw him.
Bello.
Wearing the same Nigerian jersey.
For a moment, neither said a word.Then Bello smirked. "Looks like fate couldn't keep us apart."
Khali chuckled. "Yeah, but now we're on the same side again."
They bumped fists — old memories flashing behind their eyes.
Coach Ibrahim, the national U-20 head coach, blew his whistle."Gentlemen, I don't care where you play in Europe. Here, you're Eagles. Make your country proud."
The drills began — and Khali could feel the competition instantly. Every player there was hungry.But when Bello and Khali linked up in practice — the chemistry was electric.Pass, move, flick, goal.
Teammates began whispering:"Those two — they move like they've been playing together forever."
Amira's Big Break
Meanwhile, back in London, Amira was having her own turning point.Her editor at the sports magazine called her in.
"Amira, your stories on Khali and Bello went viral. We're sending you to Nigeria. You'll cover the U-20 camp and the upcoming Africa Youth Cup."
Her heart skipped a beat. "Nigeria?"
"Yes. You'll travel with the team, get inside coverage, full access."
As she left the office, her emotions swirled — excitement, fear, and something deeper.Seeing Khali again after the scandal… what would it be like?
Under the Nigerian Sun
When Amira arrived at the Abuja training ground a few days later, Khali spotted her instantly.For a moment, it felt like time stopped.
She was wearing sunglasses and a press badge, trying to blend in — but he knew that smile anywhere.
After training, he found her by the fence."Didn't think I'd see you here again," he said softly.
Amira smiled. "You didn't think I'd miss your first time in the national colors, did you?"
He grinned. "Guess not."
They talked quietly — about the camp, home, and how proud his father was. For a while, it felt simple again.
Then Bello approached, wiping sweat from his brow. "Well, well, if it isn't the famous journalist," he teased. "Back to write about your favorite City boy?"
Amira laughed politely. "I write about stories, Bello. And yours is part of it too."
Bello winked. "Just make sure you write who scores more goals."
Khali smirked. "We'll see."
The Africa Youth Cup Begins
Their first match was against Ghana.The stadium roared with green-and-white flags waving everywhere.
Khali wore number 8. Bello, number 10.Together, they were unstoppable.
Khali's precision passes met Bello's ruthless finishing — the same old connection reborn for their homeland.By halftime, Nigeria led 2–0.
The commentator shouted:
"The Zangola Boys strike again — City and United united under one flag!"
Amira sat in the press box, her heart swelling with pride. Her headline practically wrote itself:
"From Rivals to Brothers: Khali and Bello Light Up Africa."
The Late-Night Moment
After the victory, Khali sat alone on the empty pitch, staring up at the stars.The Nigerian night was warm, alive with crickets and distant cheers.
Amira walked up quietly, holding two bottles of water."You were amazing," she said, sitting beside him.
He smiled. "We were. Bello too."
She nodded. "It's good to see you both together again."
For a long moment, they sat in silence, the stadium lights fading one by one.
Then she whispered, "You belong here, Khali. You've found what you were meant to do."
He turned to her, his eyes soft. "And you—you're part of every step I've taken to get here."
Her hand brushed his.The air felt heavy, tender.
"Careful," she teased. "Someone might see."
He laughed quietly. "Let them. I've hidden too many things already."
For a second, their eyes locked — a heartbeat that said everything words couldn't.