Coach Aliyu Zubair, who leads Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and is also the head coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, has attributed the team’s successful unbeaten run in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to a strong foundation built on teamwork rather than individual player talent. Zubair emphasizes that the core of his coaching strategy is centered on creating a disciplined and cohesive team structure. He believes this approach allows every player, whether a starter or on the bench, to receive equal training intensity and tactical preparation. As a result, El-Kanemi FC has amassed 15 points in the league, solidifying its position at fourth on the NPFL table and remaining the only unbeaten team with ten games played this season.
During a recent talk at the Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk event held in Ilorin, Zubair elaborated on the principles driving El-Kanemi Warriors’ success. He stated that the team’s philosophy revolves around a culture of discipline and comprehensive training for all squad members, ensuring they are prepared to perform irrespective of their starting status. This strategic focus, he noted, has been key to their performance consistency. Zubair’s assertion that, “We don’t build players; we build structure,” encapsulates his philosophy towards developing a robust team capable of sustaining high levels of performance throughout the season.
In addition to discussing team dynamics, Zubair shared insights on player development, particularly regarding young athletes aged between 15 and 22 years—an age group he views as particularly coachable. He praised the efforts of Kwara United as an exemplary club that prioritizes youth investment. Zubair believes that nurturing young talent is vital for the future of both the club and the league, advocating for fans to remain patient with the developmental processes involving younger players. Such insights underline his commitment to fostering long-term growth and sustainability within Nigerian football.
Moreover, Zubair expressed appreciation for the mentors who have significantly influenced his coaching philosophy. He acknowledged figures like Kadir Ikhana, Abdul Maikaba, John Obuh, and Tunde Sanni, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping his approach and contributing to his success as a coach. This reflection on mentorship highlights the importance of knowledge transfer and support in career development, particularly in the challenging landscape of professional sports coaching.
El-Kanemi Warriors have continued to showcase their impressive form, adding another victory to their unbeaten record by defeating Katsina United, courtesy of Ibrahim Mustapha’s critical goal in the 69th minute. This win not only maintained their unbeaten streak but also cemented their position in the middle of the NPFL table, demonstrating the effectiveness of Zubair’s coaching methods and the team’s adherence to their established structure.
In conclusion, Coach Aliyu Zubair’s approach to coaching the El-Kanemi Warriors and the Flying Eagles stands as a testament to the value of team structure and player discipline over individual accolades. His commitment to youth development, acknowledgment of mentorship, and focus on building a cohesive and resilient team are crucial elements that have contributed to the Warriors’ unbeaten streak in the NPFL season. As the league progresses, Zubair’s strategies may pave the way for continued success and serve as a model for other clubs in the Nigerian football ecosystem.
