The head coach of the Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has reacted to his team’s 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group game at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Despite the stalemate, the nine-time champions secured a spot in the quarterfinals, finishing second in Group B behind Morocco.
“It was not an easy match, the Kenyans have played two games previously which they lost,” Zubairu said at a press conference. “They came all out so that they don’t leave the competition without getting a win. That’s why the game was difficult. All this same, it was a good game.”
Focus on the Quarterfinals
Zubairu emphasized that the team’s primary goal is to progress to the next stage of the competition. “I want to correct an impression, of course many Nigerians will be disappointed with the result because of the opposition but what is important is for us to get to the next stage, which is the quarter-final,” he added.
The Flying Eagles are now awaiting their quarterfinal opponent, and Zubairu declared that they are firmly focused on that contest. “I believe we are there because of our hard work,” he said. “Even though this match did not go as expected, the Kenyans came all out to make sure they get something out of the match which makes things difficult for us.”
Preparing for the Next Match
Zubairu highlighted the importance of the quarterfinals, stating that it is the most crucial match of the competition. “I believe the quarter-final is the most important match of the competition,” he said. “We need to work on the psyche of the players towards that next match, that is very important. We want to go to the World Cup, we must win the match. We will start preparing immediately.”
Quotes
- “It was not an easy match, the Kenyans have played two games previously which they lost.”
- “They came all out so that they don’t leave the competition without getting a win. That’s why the game was difficult.”
- “I want to correct an impression, of course many Nigerians will be disappointed with the result because of the opposition but what is important is for us to get to the next stage, which is the quarter-final.”
- “I believe the quarter-final is the most important match of the competition.”
- “We need to work on the psyche of the players towards that next match, that is very important. We want to go to the World Cup, we must win the match. We will start preparing immediately.”
Conclusion
The Flying Eagles’ qualification to the quarterfinals is a significant achievement, and Zubairu’s comments highlight the team’s focus on the next stage of the competition. With their sights set on the World Cup, the team is determined to perform well in the quarterfinals and beyond.