Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu stays unbothered by the robust opponents drawn alongside the Flying Eagles within the group stage of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng studies.
The AFCON U20 draw, carried out on Thursday, positioned file seven-time winners Nigeria in Group B alongside three formidable groups: Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.
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Egypt, a four-time U20 AFCON champion, boasts a wealthy historical past within the competitors, ending runners-up in 2005 and claiming bronze on three events.
Morocco, winners of the 1997 event on residence soil, edged South Africa 1-0 in that closing. South Africa, in the meantime, have solely reached the ultimate as soon as however secured a bronze medal in 2019 after beating Nigeria on penalties.
Regardless of the high-caliber opposition, Zubairu is optimistic about Nigeria’s probabilities.
“It’s an excellent draw,” Zubairu instructed the NFF.
“If a crew actually aspires to achieve the FIFA World Cup, there isn’t a have to draw back from any opponent. Going through Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents an incredible alternative. I consider it’s a blessing.”
Nigeria Flying Eagles Resume Camp for Egypt Friendlies Forward of U20 AFCON
Coach Aliyu Zubairu has invited 30 gamers as Nigeria prepares for friendlies towards Egypt U20 on Feb 25 & 27 in Cairo.
Bear in mind, the U20 AFCON will happen from April 26 to Might 18 in Côte d’Ivoire. pic.twitter.com/TWRqK186ac
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) February 11, 2025
READ MORE: 2025 U20 AFCON: Ghana relieved to keep away from Nigeria as Flying Eagles face Egypt and South Africa
The 2025 U20 AFCON, set to kick off in April, options three teams.
Whereas Nigeria’s Group B consists of three former champions, Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-qualify crew from the UNIFFAC zone.
Group C options defending champions Senegal, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya.
With Nigeria’s group considered because the hardest, some have labeled it the “group of loss of life.” Nonetheless, Zubairu has dismissed this notion.
“We have to dispel the notion that this can be a ‘group of loss of life,’” he stated.
“In African soccer, there are not any small groups anymore. The bottom line is to arrange very properly. A lesser-known nation can shock everybody if they arrive ready.”
Aliyu Zubairu’s profitable mentality
Zubairu’s confidence comes on the again of a extremely profitable 12 months 2024.
The skilled tactician guided El-Kanemi Warriors to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) and led the membership to their first Federation Cup triumph in 32 years, defeating Abia Warriors 2–0 within the closing.
Congratulations my pricey good friend, honorable colleague and brother – Coach Aliyu Zubairu in your gallant triumph with the Flying Eagles. Pleased with You At all times.
Up Nigeria!
— IJABALL ✍ pic.twitter.com/i4vQkIjn4B
— Daniel Ogunmodede .A (@CoachDan_Ijabal) October 31, 2024
His spectacular achievements earned him the position of Flying Eagles head coach, a place he has balanced alongside his membership duties.
Underneath his management, Nigeria’s U20 crew received the WAFU B Event, edging out arch-rivals Ghana 2-1 within the closing.
Now, Zubairu has his sights set on the most important trophy of his profession—the U20 AFCON title in Côte d’Ivoire, working from April 26 to Might 18.
