*Sets sight on AFCON trophy
The Head Coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu has once again demonstrated his tactical brilliance by leading the team to securing the U20 World cup ticket in Chile later in the year.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated the defending champions of the U20 AFCON, Senegal today Monday May 12, 2025 by 3-1 on penalties after playing out a goalles draw in both regulation time and extra time.
The victory means the Flying Eagles are the first African team to qualify for the World Cup finals and will now make their 14th appearance at the U20 World Cup since making their debut in 1983. The victory also ensured that the team are through to the semi-final of the ongoing Nations Cup.
Coach Zubairu’s leadership, tactical discipline and ingenuity once again played a key role in the team’s feat, thus continuing his trajectory which commenced last year when he led the team to securing the Nations Cup ticket and also winning the WAFU-B championship trophy just a month into his appointment.
Zubairu, it would be recalled in 2024 led the El-kanemi Warriors to the NPFL promotion and eventually guided the team to winning the President Federation Cup which they last won in 1992.
The Kwara-born gaffer has not only emerged as one of the brightest of his peers, but has also become a role model for football coaching in Nigeria, inspiring excellence with his enduring work ethics and a strong advocate for youth football development.
Speaking after the game, he praised the mental strength and tactical discipline of his team.
He said “We trained for this moment. Every possible scenario was prepared for, including penalties. The boys stuck to the plan and executed it when it mattered the most. That’s what champions do.”
Zubairu, who led the team through an unbeaten group stage, commended the focus and unity in his squad, adding that the journey is far from over.
“This is a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet. We came here with a goal: to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One box is ticked, now we keep pushing.”
Zubairu also praised his players’ growth during the tournament: “They’ve matured through every game — tactically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them.”
The win not only keeps Nigeria’s AFCON title hopes alive, but also marks a return to the FIFA U20 World Cup, the first since 2019, reaffirming the country’s pedigree in youth football
Nigeria will now face a semi-final clash in the coming days as they look to add to their record seven U-20 AFCON titles.
