The Flying Eagles‘ head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has declared that securing a World Cup ticket is the team’s primary objective 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 in Chile, and Zubairu emphasized that his team’s first target is to achieve this goal.
“We wouldn’t want to put too much pressure on the boys, that they must win the trophy. The first target now is to get the ticket to the World Cup,” Zubairu told NFF TV. “When we get to the semi-final stage, we will sit them down again, and talk about winning the title, but our first target is the World Cup ticket.”
The Flying Eagles will begin their campaign against Tunisia at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo on Thursday. Zubairu expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, stating, “We are very much prepared, if you look at the journey, we started preparation from Abuja to Kastina, then Kastina back to Abuja. Now, we are in Egypt waiting for the first match which is against Tunisia, the boys are ready.”
The Flying Eagles have a strong record against Tunisia at this level, with two wins and one draw. Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the third-place encounter two years ago in Egypt serves as a motivation for the team. Zubairu noted, “There is no pressure from any angle. Our win over Tunisia two years ago is a big motivation, even though you don’t dwell too much in the past.”
The team’s focus on securing a World Cup ticket demonstrates their ambition and determination. With a strong squad and Zubairu’s guidance, the Flying Eagles are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. The upcoming match against Tunisia promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams vying for success.
The Flying Eagles’ journey to the World Cup will be closely watched, and their performance in the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations will be crucial in determining their fate. With Zubairu’s leadership and the team’s talent, Nigeria’s chances of securing a World Cup ticket look promising.
