NPFL: Coach Aliyu Zubairu sends emotional farewell message to El Kanemi Warriors

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The head coach of Nigeria U-20 national team, Aliyu Zubairu will be leaving his duty as coach of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, El Kanemi Warriors.

The 2024 President Federation Cup winning coach confirmed leaving the NPFL club in a farewell message to the Maiduguri based side.

The gaffer didn’t extend his contract with the team after the expiration of two year deal.

The move is to ensure that he focus on the Flying Eagles job.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the management, staff, players, and fans for their unwavering support over the past two years. My time with the club has been filled with incredible memories and milestones that have further cemented the team’s reputation in Nigerian football history,” Zubairu said in his farewell message.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to renew my contract, which expires at the end of my two-year contract. This decision stems from my confidence that I’ve made a meaningful contribution to the club’s growth and development. And in my habitual self, it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my career.

“From representing this club as a player to promoting it to the elite league as a coach, winning the President Federation Cup (FA Cup), and sustaining its status in the NPFL, it’s truly been an honor to represent this esteemed badge of Borno State.

“I’ve worked alongside a supportive management, hardworking technical crew, and talented players whose contributions led to our remarkable successes. I’d also like to appreciate our wonderful fans – your support reaffirmed my belief in the importance of fans.”

While thanking the club stakeholders, he observed that Borno state remain a huge part of his history as he embarked on a new chapter of his career.

“I’m eternally grateful to His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, for his unwavering support. I also thank the Borno State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Saina Buba, and Chairman of Borno State Football Association, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, for their invaluable support,” He continued.

“While I’m leaving this club, I don’t see this exit as an end to our relationship but as a new chapter in my journey. Borno will always remain a home to me and dear to my heart.

“Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of this amazing team. Mugode Sosai.”

Zubairu has guided the team to gaining promotion to the top flight and winning the 2024 President Federation Cup which qualified the club for the CAF Confederation Cup.

That earned him the chance to get the coaching role with the Flying Eagles as he helped the team win the WAFU-B title and qualify for the next FIFA U-20 World Cup.