Ahead of today’s opening match against Tunisia at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, for the ongoing 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has expressed confidence in his players’ readiness for the challenge.
He stated that his team’s primary objective is to secure a World Cup ticket at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. The four semi-finalists in Egypt will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Chile later this year.
The Flying Eagles, who last tasted success on the continent in 2015, are among the favourites to win the title at this year’s edition of the biennial competition.
Zubairu, however, insisted that the team’s initial focus is on World Cup qualification.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on the boys by insisting that they must win the trophy. Our first target is to secure the World Cup ticket,” Zubairu told NFF TV. “Once we reach the semi-final stage, we can discuss winning the title, but for now, the priority is the World Cup qualification.”
The seven-time champions are set to begin their campaign against Tunisia at the June 30 Stadium on Thursday. Zubairu emphasized that his players are prepared for the task ahead.
“We are very much prepared. If you look at our journey, we began our preparations from Abuja to Katsina, then returned to Abuja. Now, we are in Egypt, ready for our first match against Tunisia. The boys are eager,” he added.
Historically, the Flying Eagles have not lost to Tunisia at this level, with two wins and one draw. Nigeria triumphed over the North Africans 4-0 in a third-place encounter two years ago in Egypt. Zubairu stated that his team is motivated to beat Tunisia once again.
“There is no pressure from any angle. Our victory over Tunisia two years ago serves as significant motivation, even though we mustn’t dwell too much on the past,” Zubairu noted.
“Although we defeated them 4-0 in the third-place match then, it will be a different scenario now. They are two different teams, despite representing the same country. I don’t see this as pressure, although history can always play a role in motivating a team. It will serve as a motivating factor for us.”
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