Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has expressed optimism regarding his team’s potential to excel in the challenging group at the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
The Flying Eagles have been paired to compete against North African powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa.
Scheduled from April 26 to May 18, the tournament promises to be a significant test for the Nigerian youth squad. However, Zubairu believes that this tough draw could serve as a valuable opportunity for growth and development.
“It’s a promising draw. For a team with aspirations to reach the FIFA World Cup, it’s important to embrace every challenge. Competing against Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage is a wonderful chance for us. I see it as a blessing,” Zubairu shared.
Addressing concerns about being in a so-called ‘group of death,’ the coach highlighted the evolving landscape of African football.
“We should move away from calling this a ‘group of death’. There are no small teams in African football anymore. The focus should be on thorough preparation, as even lesser-known nations can make remarkable strides if they come well-prepared,” he stated.
To gear up for the continental championship, the Nigeria Football Federation has launched a training camp featuring a 30-man squad.
Additionally, two friendly matches have been scheduled against the Egyptian Under-20 team in Cairo on February 25 and 27. These warm-up games will offer Zubairu a valuable chance to evaluate his team against one of their group rivals.
