Wafu B U20 Cup: Flying Eagles coach optimistic despite poor start in Togo

By Saheed Afolabi 

Nigeria U20 head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, remains optimistic about his team’s chances of recovery after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in the opening match of the Wafu B U20 Cup.

The Young Stallions outplayed the defending champions, Flying Eagles, with their physicality proving too much for Nigeria to handle on Friday. Zubairu admitted that his team struggled to match the Burkinabes in terms of strength and intensity.

“Burkina Faso are a very physical side, and we tried to match them for power against my instructions,” Zubairu said at the post-match press conference.

Despite the setback, the coach is confident that his team will regroup and perform better in their next match against Ivory Coast. He urged fans not to lose faith in the team following the loss.

“We have five days to prepare well for the game against Cote d’Ivoire, which we have to win by more than a goal to reach the next round,” Zubairu added. “We share the pains of the fans because we ought not to lose to Burkina Faso, but they should continue to believe in the team and support us. We will forge ahead.”

The Flying Eagles will need to deliver a strong performance in their second group game to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.