Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his Flying Eagles players [Photo by IMAGO; Edited by Azzuu]
Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has praised his players’ determination after their dramatic 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Wikki Tourist manager insists the team’s full attention is now on their decisive clash with Colombia at the Estadic Fiscal de Talca.
The seven-time African champions were under pressure to deliver on Wednesday after their opening-day defeat to Norway.
They got off to a bright start in their second Group F fixture, with goals from Nasiru Salihu and Amos Ochoche before captain Daniel Bameyi’s stoppage-time penalty sealed all three points.
Aliyu Zubairu on Flying Eagles Win
Speaking after the game, Zubairu explained that the team’s resilience was sparked by their disappointment against Norway.
“If you look at the first match [against Norway], we had most of the possession, but we ran out of luck. They sat with each other, and after everything we told them, they made up their mind that they are going all out for the three points here. I think that was what really motivated them,” Zubairu said via FIFA plus.
Looking ahead, the coach was clear about the Flying Eagles’ next mission.
“The next match is against Colombia, I think that’s where we’ll shift the focus to. So that we can at least come out with another three points and be secure of getting the tickets out of the group,” he said.
Zubairu added that there is no room for complacency, stressing that the strategy is simple:
“Next line of action is to go for the three points against Colombia, [it is] as simple as that.”
The Flying Eagles currently sit third in Group F with three points, one behind Colombia. A win in their final group game will guarantee Nigeria a place in the knockout stage.