Plateau United are set to appoint Aliyu Zubairu fresh from guiding El‑Kanemi Warriors back to the NPFL and the Flying Eagles to WAFU B glory as their new head coach ahead of the 2025/26 season. Zubairu, 45, will take the reins at Jos’s New Stadium following his departure from Maiduguri on 10 June.
Zubairu’s coaching résumé is impressive: he led El‑Kanemi Warriors to promotion from the NNL and secured the 2024 President’s Federation Cup title. He also amassed 100 NPFL games across several teams Wikki Tourists, Gombe United and El‑Kanemi Warriors with a record of 36 wins, 28 draws and 37 losses.
In September 2024, he was appointed head coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles. Under his guidance, they won the WAFU B U‑20 Championship and qualified for the 2025 U‑20 AFCON and FIFA U‑20 World Cup. The NFF president, Alhaji Musa Gusau, cited Zubairu’s track record and merit-based credentials in the selection.
Plateau United, who finished seventh in the 2024–25 NPFL, will rely on Zubairu’s leadership and youth‑focused philosophy long championed during his previous assignments.
Editorial
We’ve admired Zubairu’s steady ascent through Nigerian football. Few coaches show such consistent progression — from lifting teams out of lower leagues to winning cups and nurturing youth champions. His arrival at Plateau United feels like the right elevation at the right time.
We believe his youth advocacy will help rejuvenate the squad. His track record shows he trusts emerging talent a refreshing departure from the status quo in NPFL, which often favours experience over enthusiasm. Plateau’s management seem wise to harness that philosophy.
We think his familiarity with the rigours of top-flight football navigating relegation battles and leading promotion‑winning sides equips him well for the challenge. Plateau will expect ambition, but also a coach who builds systems and standards that endure.
We view this as a strategic step forward. At 45, Zubairu combines maturity with vision. His dual success at club and international youth level gives confidence that he can modernise tactics and cultivate a winning mindset. We anticipate Zubairu will breathe new discipline and optimism into Plateau United. His approach aligns with a club aiming not just to compete but to build a squad that’s steady, enterprising, and forward‑thinking.
Did You Know?
- Zubairu coached his 100th NPFL match in February 2025, across stints at Wikki, Gombe and El‑Kanemi.
- He guided El‑Kanemi Warriors to their first Federation Cup since the early ’90s.
- In 2024 he led the Flying Eagles to WAFU Zone B victory, losing only once all tournament.
- Guidering merit‑based appointment, NFF president Gusau emphasised Zubairu’s success with promotions and cup wins.
- Plateau United’s home ground, New Jos Stadium, holds up to 60,000 spectators.
