National Teams
Wafu B U20: Flying Eagles gaffer Aliyu Zubairu eyes Afcon qualification slot
By Saheed Afolabi
Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu is determined to secure Nigeria’s spot in the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations by clinching the WAFU B U20 championship ticket.
Zubairu emphasized that given Nigeria’s football pedigree, there are no excuses for failing to qualify.
“The major competition before us now is the WAFU B championship, and I believe that qualifying for the U20 AFCON is not negotiable. Certainly, Nigeria must pick the ticket to the CAF U20 Nations Cup; that’s not negotiable,” Zubairu stated in an interview with BSN Sports.
He also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to retain experienced players from the last edition, allowing them to compete alongside the current squad invited for the regional tournament.
“We have asked the Secretariat to provide us with the list of players who are still eligible. It’s crucial to blend experience with the new talent, as you can’t buy experience in the market.”
Zubairu expressed the challenge of assembling a compact team while also preparing effectively.
“We have very limited time to prepare, and we need to combine both—getting the right players and preparing the team. You can’t focus solely on one without the other,” he explained.
“What is important in the matches is to assess our current level and ensure we are ready for the challenge ahead.”
With determination and a clear strategy, Zubairu aims to lead the Flying Eagles to success in the upcoming tournament.
