Nigeria coach Aliyu Zubairu exudes confidence ahead of Senegal clash

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has expressed optimism ahead of their crucial AFCON U20 quarterfinal clash with Senegal on Monday.

In a pre-match press conference on Sunday, Zubairu emphasized that securing a World Cup ticket is non-negotiable for the Nigerian team.

“We have really prepared for the match, considering how we got to this level. But all the same, we’ve reached a stage where we either get it right or lose the World Cup ticket.

“The boys already know that, and we’re working towards it. I believe tomorrow we will scale through to the semifinals,” he said.

Acknowledging Senegal as the defending champions and their longstanding rivalry with Nigeria, Zubairu remained confident in his team’s ability to overcome the challenge.

“Tomorrow won’t be an exception, so all those factors will play a role in tomorrow’s match, but we shall win,” he stated.

The coach insisted that the team is not under undue pressure but remains fully focused on the goal of qualifying for the World Cup.

“Any competitive football match comes with some pressure, but that pressure isn’t enough to negatively affect the team. Instead, it will help motivate us,” Zubairu noted.

Zubairu also reaffirmed that the team’s primary objective has always been to secure a World Cup spot.

“We started this journey from WAFU-B, and what we’ve been working for is to go to the World Cup,” he continued.

“Tomorrow’s match will be the semifinal, so we all know we’re going into it without pressure and ready for the battle. I don’t think there’s any pressure that will affect the team; it can only serve as psychological motivation.”

The Flying Eagles will face Senegal at 1 pm (Nigerian time) on Monday at the Ismaili Stadium in Egypt.

Coach Zubairu is determined to lead the team to secure the World Cup ticket, aiming to replicate his previous success in guiding the Flying Eagles to AFCON and WAFU-B championships.