Aliyu Zubairu, the head coach of the Nigeria U-20 men’s team, is determined to lead his squad to success at the upcoming 2024 WAFU B U20 tournament in Togo. His primary goal is to secure a spot in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and reclaim Nigeria’s historic dominance in continental age-grade football. In a recent press conference in Ikenne, where the team has been intensifying its training following a rigorous three-week selection process in Abuja, Zubairu expressed his confidence in the team’s readiness and aspirations.
The Flying Eagles will face off against Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire in a competitive Group B, aiming to defend the title they secured two years ago in Niger Republic. Zubairu emphasized that while the task ahead is challenging, he believes in the team’s ability to excel. His confidence stems from their preparations and the information they have gathered about their opponents, which includes analyzing match footage. He underscored the importance of having clarity on their objectives, with the primary focus being to qualify for the U-20 AFCON.
Zubairu outlined the team’s current preparations, which include scheduling friendly matches in Ikenne before traveling to Togo for two more international friendlies. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the player selection process, as various stakeholders highlighted their preferences for specific players. However, the team ultimately settled on 35 players who are now dedicated to the training regime in Ikenne. This comprehensive evaluation is essential for building a cohesive and effective squad that can rise to the occasion during the tournament.
A notable aspect of Zubairu’s strategy is his intent to restore Nigeria’s historic status in age-grade football. The coach lamented that Nigeria had gradually lost its grip as Africa’s top team in youth football, a position once held with great pride. He expressed a desire to return to the glory days of Nigerian football, emphasizing that the national team cannot afford to compromise its standing. To achieve this, Zubairu and his team are committed to putting in the necessary work both on and off the field in preparation for the tournament.
The WAFU B U20 tournament is scheduled to take place in Lome, Togo, from October 17 to 31, with Nigeria’s group stage matches being critical in the quest for qualification. The competition also serves as a qualifying platform for the next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will ultimately provide an opportunity for the top four teams to compete at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. This dual-layered challenge positions the tournament as not just important for immediate success but as a stepping stone for future international opportunities.
As the tournament approaches, the emphasis on meticulous preparation and strategic insight into opponents fortifies Zubairu’s belief in his team’s potential. By leveraging the experience gained from past competitions and their competitive spirit, the Flying Eagles aspire to once again make their mark on the African football landscape and reinforce Nigeria’s legacy in youth football. The path ahead may be steep, but with resilience and determination, they aim to achieve their preeminent goal of qualifying for the U-20 AFCON and regaining their rightful place in continental football.
