Soccer
Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu remains unbothered by the tough opponents drawn alongside the Flying Eagles in the group stage of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
The AFCON U20 draw, conducted on Thursday, placed record seven-time winners Nigeria in Group B alongside three formidable teams: Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.
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Egypt, a four-time U20 AFCON champion, boasts a rich history in the competition, finishing runners-up in 2005 and claiming bronze on three occasions.
Morocco, winners of the 1997 tournament on home soil, edged South Africa 1-0 in that final. South Africa, meanwhile, have only reached the final once but secured a bronze medal in 2019 after beating Nigeria on penalties.
Despite the high-caliber opposition, Zubairu is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances.
“It’s a very good draw,” Zubairu told the NFF.
“If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.”
Nigeria Flying Eagles Resume Camp for Egypt Friendlies Ahead of U20 AFCON
Coach Aliyu Zubairu has invited 30 players as Nigeria prepares for friendlies against Egypt U20 on Feb 25 & 27 in Cairo.
Remember, the U20 AFCON will take place from April 26 to May 18 in Côte d’Ivoire. pic.twitter.com/TWRqK186ac
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) February 11, 2025
READ MORE: 2025 U20 AFCON: Ghana relieved to avoid Nigeria as Flying Eagles face Egypt and South Africa
The 2025 U20 AFCON, set to kick off in April, features three groups.
While Nigeria’s Group B includes three former champions, Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-qualify team from the UNIFFAC zone.
Group C features defending champions Senegal, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya.
With Nigeria’s group viewed as the toughest, some have labeled it the “group of death.” However, Zubairu has dismissed this notion.
“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said.
“In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”
Aliyu Zubairu’s winning mentality
Zubairu’s confidence comes on the back of a highly successful year 2024.
The experienced tactician guided El-Kanemi Warriors to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and led the club to their first Federation Cup triumph in 32 years, defeating Abia Warriors 2–0 in the final.
Congratulations my dear friend, honorable colleague and brother – Coach Aliyu Zubairu on your gallant triumph with the Flying Eagles. Proud of You Always.
Up Nigeria!
— IJABALL ✍ pic.twitter.com/i4vQkIjn4B
— Daniel Ogunmodede .A (@CoachDan_Ijabal) October 31, 2024
His impressive achievements earned him the role of Flying Eagles head coach, a position he has balanced alongside his club duties.
Under his leadership, Nigeria’s U20 team won the WAFU B Tournament, edging out arch-rivals Ghana 2-1 in the final.
Now, Zubairu has his sights set on the biggest trophy of his career—the U20 AFCON title in Côte d’Ivoire, running from April 26 to May 18.
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