Nigeria’s U-20 football team, the Flying Eagles, is determined to secure a podium finish at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as they face Egypt in the third-place playoff at the 30 June Stadium this Sunday. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu, speaking at a pre-match press conference, acknowledged the disappointment of missing the final but stressed the importance of ending the tournament on a high note.
Zubairu described the preparation for the match as a “consolation,” noting that the team had aimed for the finals but was still committed to redeeming their image. “We had wanted to be at the finals, but it didn’t go the way we wanted. But all the same, we have third place to redeem our image and console ourselves and the whole nation,” he remarked.
When asked about plans for the FIFA U20 World Cup, Zubairu clarified that the team remains focused on the current tournament, postponing any discussions of the World Cup until after the Nations Cup. He indicated that a complete evaluation of the squad would take place following the competition. “We have to finish the Nations Cup and go and sit down and look at the team,” he said. “If it needs total overhaul and heavy fortification, if it needs it, which I believe it does, but we cannot talk about the World Cup now.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s performance at the last U20 World Cup in Argentina, where the Flying Eagles reached the quarterfinals as Africa’s best team, Zubairu expressed his desire to surpass that achievement. “If your predecessor set a record, it is always good for the betterment of the country, the team, and the coach to at least go ahead of the record set,” he stated.
Zubairu also urged fans to manage their expectations regarding player promotions to the senior national team, explaining that development is still ongoing. “The team is under 20, which is in the rebuilding process. Until we get to the World Cup and finish the tournament, then we can evaluate which player can get to the Super Eagles,” he added.
The Flying Eagles are set to battle Egypt for third place, with hopes of concluding their campaign with pride and a sense of accomplishment.
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Editorial
The Flying Eagles’ journey at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From the initial optimism to the heartache of missing the final, it is clear that the team still has much to prove. Yet, as we approach the third-place playoff against Egypt, there is a silver lining redemption.
Third place may not have been the initial target, but it represents an opportunity for reflection and resurgence. Too often, the focus remains on victory alone, neglecting the value of resilience in the face of setbacks. For the Flying Eagles, this is more than just a game—it is a chance to showcase character and growth.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s call for a “consolation preparation” speaks to the spirit of recovery. It’s not just about salvaging pride it’s about setting a foundation for future tournaments, including the FIFA U20 World Cup. His caution against premature expectations for World Cup preparation is wise. Building a formidable squad takes time, and rushing the process often leads to cracks that show when the pressure mounts.
As supporters, we should rally behind the team not just for the win, but for the lessons learned along the way. It is in moments like these that the core of a great team is forged. The upcoming match against Egypt is more than a contest; it is a statement of intent. Let’s support the Flying Eagles as they aim to redeem their campaign and build towards a brighter future.
The dream of reaching the final may have slipped away, but the fight is far from over. We believe that with patience and proper structuring, this team can transcend past records and set a new benchmark for Nigerian football. This third-place playoff is their chance to prove it.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria is the most successful nation in the history of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, having won the tournament seven times since its inception.
- Egypt has hosted the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations four times, with the 2025 edition being the latest. Their last hosting was in 2013, where they won the tournament.
- The Flying Eagles were the first African team to reach the final of the FIFA U20 World Cup in 1989, held in Saudi Arabia, finishing as runners up to Portugal.
- Aliyu Zubairu, the current coach of the Flying Eagles, is known for his grassroots football development work in Nigeria, which has produced several young talents for the national team.
- The 30 June Stadium in Cairo, where the third-place match will be held, is named in honour of the Egyptian Revolution of 2013 and has a seating capacity of 30,000.
