Flying Eagles Boss Confident Despite Challenging U-20 AFCON Draw

Aliyu Zubairu, head coach of the Flying Eagles, has been upbeat about his team’s chances of winning the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast despite being in a difficult group.
The Flying Eagles will play South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt, three of North Africa’s strongest nations.
For the Nigerian young team, the competition, which is set for April 26–May 18, is expected to be a major challenge. Nonetheless, Zubairu thinks that this difficult draw can present a worthwhile chance for improvement and advancement.
It’s a promising attraction. A team that wants to make it to the FIFA World Cup must rise to every challenge. This is a great opportunity for us to compete against South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. “I consider it to be a blessing,” Zubairu said.

The coach addressed worries about being in a “group of death” and emphasized how African football is changing.

This should no longer be referred to as a “group of death.” In African football, there are no longer any tiny teams. He said, “The emphasis should be on careful preparation because even lesser-known countries can make amazing progress if they come prepared.”

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A 30-man squad has been assembled by the Nigeria Football Federation for a training camp in preparation for the continental championship.

Furthermore, on February 25 and 27, two friendly games versus the Egyptian Under-20 squad are planned in Cairo. Against one of their group competitors, Zubairu will have a great opportunity to assess his team during these warm-up games.