Aliyu Zubairu, head coach of Nigeria’s U-20 team, has his eyes set on the ultimate prize: the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
Fresh from his recent success in leading Nigeria to retain the WAFU B U-20 Championship title in Togo, Zubairu has raised expectations for his squad, who must first secure their spot at the global stage.
The Flying Eagles recently defeated Ghana 2-1 in the WAFU B final, earning a place in the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Only the tournament’s semifinalists will qualify for the 2025 U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 19.
Despite limited time to prepare, Zubairu took charge and successfully guided the team to defend their WAFU B title, showing the kind of ambition that Nigeria’s football fans have come to expect.
Reflecting on the achievement, he spoke with confidence and a clear plan for the future.
“If we have a clear project and believe in what we want to achieve, what’s stopping Nigeria from winning the U-20 World Cup?” Zubairu told Brila.
“Nigeria has reached the final twice, so why can’t we go beyond that?”
Zubairu hopes to surpass Nigeria’s previous U-20 World Cup finishes — runners-up in 1989 and 2005 — and believes that with the right approach, the Flying Eagles can reach new heights.
Emphasising the importance of preparation, he noted, “We need to focus and prepare this team very well, so a better team can emerge in the future.”
He added that strong preparation and structured development are key.
“The countries that are doing it are not better in terms of playing; Nigeria even has better players. But maybe if we have better preparation, we can get to such a level on the global stage,” Zubairu concluded.
The Flying Eagles have long been one of Africa’s most successful youth sides, winning the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations seven times, more than any other team.