Coach Aliyu Zubairu [Photo by IMAGO]
Head coach of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, Aliyu Zubairu, has laid bare the importance of his side’s final group-stage clash against Colombia at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking ahead of the must-win encounter against Cesar Torres’ boys, Zubairu described it as a battle that will determine the team’s survival in the competition.
With the Flying Eagles sitting third in Group F on three points, only a win will guarantee their progression to the Round of 16.
The last games of the #U20WC Group Stage are here!
Who’s going to the Knockouts?
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 5, 2025
After a nerve-wracking 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia revived their hopes, Zubairu insists his boys must go all out to secure victory when they face the South Americans.
“Our continued stay in this tournament depends on the match against Colombia, which means we just have to take the three points,” the coach said. “We have to stay in this competition and the boys know it. Every bit of our preparation is focused on winning this game if we truly want to continue.”
Zubairu Identifies Colombia’s Weakness
Zubairu added that his coaching crew has studied Colombia closely, identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
“We have watched them and we know both their strengths and their weaknesses… The players are aware of what is at stake. It is three points or nothing.”
Nigeria will take on Colombia in the early hours of Monday, October 6, at 12:00 a.m. Nigerian time. A win will send the Flying Eagles soaring into the knockout stage — a defeat could spell the end of their World Cup journey.