Flying Eagles coach Zubairu assesses team’s progress after 2-0 win

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has shared his thoughts following Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast’s Young Elephants in their first pre-U20 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON friendly match.

Goals from captain Daniel Bamayi and Divine Oliseh in the second half secured the win, providing a confidence boost as the team prepares for the upcoming CAF U20 tournament. The match served as an important evaluation exercise for both returning players from the WAFU-B tournament and new additions looking to earn a place in the final squad.

In his post-match comments, Zubairu emphasized that team selection is still an ongoing process, with players needing to prove their worth.

We came here for this friendly to assess both returning players from WAFU-B and new ones trying to join us. If any of those who went to WAFU-B can’t meet the standard we are looking for, they will be replaced. The same goes for the new players,” he stated.

The coach also highlighted expectations for foreign-based players who are eligible to join the squad, confirming that reinforcements are expected once the team regroups after a short break.

We are expecting a reasonable number of players currently abroad to join us when we return to Nigeria  he added.

Looking ahead to the next friendly match on Friday, Zubairu stressed the importance of testing different tactical approaches to ensure the team has multiple strategies for the AFCON tournament.

We will approach Friday’s match with seriousness. We tried a particular tactic today to see if it will work for AFCON, but we will test another approach in the next game to ensure we have a Plan A and B, he concluded.

The Flying Eagles’ second friendly match against Ivory Coast will take place at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny at 3:30 PM Ivorian time 4:30 PM Nigerian time, where they will aim to build on their strong start and further fine tune the squad.

Editorial

Aliyu Zubairu’s approach to team selection and tactical planning reflects the level of preparation required for a successful AFCON campaign. While the 2-0 win against Ivory Coast is encouraging, the emphasis on continuous assessment and adaptation is crucial.

One key takeaway from his comments is the competition for spots in the final squad. Unlike previous tournaments where selections may have been based on reputation, Zubairu is making it clear that only those who meet the required standard will cut. This merit-based approach is essential for building a team that can compete at the highest level.

The integration of foreign-based players adds another layer of intrigue. With several Nigerian talents now plying their trade in Europe and other leagues, their inclusion could provide additional quality and experience to the squad. However, blending them with home-based players effectively will be key to maintaining team chemistry.

Zubairu’s tactical flexibility is also commendable. In modern football, having a single game plan is a risk, especially in knockout competitions. His willingness to test multiple systems in these friendlies ensures that the Flying Eagles can adapt when faced with different opponents.

As the team prepares for their next friendly, all eyes will be on how well the players respond to a new tactical approach and whether they can maintain their winning momentum.

Did You Know?

1. The Flying Eagles are Nigeria’s most successful youth team, having won the U20 AFCON a record seven times.
2. Daniel Bamayi, who scored in the friendly, was also a key player in Nigeria’s squad at the U20 FIFA World Cup.
3. Nigeria’s U20 team has produced several Super Eagles stars, including Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Osimhen.
4. The Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, where the second friendly will be played, is Ivory Coast’s national stadium and has hosted major continental tournaments.
5. The 2025 U20 AFCON will serve as a qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup, making it a crucial tournament for Nigeria’s young talents.