Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu<\/a> 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<\/a> reports<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The AFCON U20 draw<\/a>, conducted on Thursday, placed record seven-time winners Nigeria in Group B alongside three formidable teams: Egypt<\/a>, Morocco, and South Africa.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Despite the high-caliber opposition, Zubairu is optimistic about Nigeria\u2019s chances.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a very good draw,\u201d Zubairu told the NFF<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIf 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\u2019s a blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Nigeria Flying Eagles Resume Camp for Egypt Friendlies Ahead of U20 AFCON<\/p>\n Coach Aliyu Zubairu has invited 30 players as Nigeria prepares for friendlies against Egypt U20 on Feb 25 & 27 in Cairo. <\/p>\n Remember, the U20 AFCON will take place from April 26 to May 18 in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire. pic.twitter.com\/TWRqK186ac<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) February 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n READ MORE<\/strong>: 2025 U20 AFCON: Ghana relieved to avoid Nigeria as Flying Eagles face Egypt and South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n The 2025 U20 AFCON, set to kick off in April, features three groups.<\/p>\n While Nigeria\u2019s Group B includes three former champions, Group A consists of hosts C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-qualify team from the UNIFFAC zone.<\/p>\n Group C features defending champions Senegal, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya.<\/p>\n With Nigeria\u2019s group viewed as the toughest, some have labeled it the \u201cgroup of death.\u201d However, Zubairu has dismissed this notion.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to dispel the notion that this is a \u2018group of death,\u2019\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Zubairu\u2019s confidence comes on the back of a highly successful year 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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\u20130 in the final.<\/p>\n Congratulations my dear friend, honorable colleague and brother \u2013 Coach Aliyu Zubairu on your gallant triumph with the Flying Eagles. Proud of You Always.<\/p>\n Up Nigeria! <\/p>\n \u2014 IJABALL \u270d pic.twitter.com\/i4vQkIjn4B<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nGet Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/h5>\n
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Aliyu Zubairu\u2019s winning mentality<\/h4>\n
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