Flying Eagles Coach Aliyu Zubairu Promises Fresh Injections Ahead of FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile


Flying Eagles Coach Aliyu ZubairuPromises Fresh Injections Ahead of FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile


As preparations intensify for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, the Head Coach of Nigeria's Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has revealed plans to invite new players to strengthen all departments of the team.


Speaking at the Kwara SWAN Hard Talk on Monday, held at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre, SWAN Secretariat, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, Coach Zubairu admitted that his squad struggled with goal conversion during the recently concluded U-20 AFCON in Morocco. He assured that the upcoming additions would bring more balance and efficiency, addressing key deficiencies observed in the team.


 “We’ll be inviting more players to bolster all departments. We must fix the issues we saw at the AFCON, especially our finishing,” he said.


Coach Zubairu, who was recently recognized by his Agbarere community, noted that handling pressure—positive or negative—is an integral part of football. According to him, the ability to manage expectations is what separates successful coaches.


> “Though we narrowly missed the AFCON title, qualifying for the World Cup is a huge achievement. Now, we must look ahead and do even better.”


The El-Kanemi Warriors coach also expressed his ambition to surpass the 2005 milestone set by Samson Siasia, who led Nigeria to the final of the U20 World Cup that year.


On the just concluded 2024/25 NPFL season, Coach Zubairu lamented El-Kanemi's struggles, attributing them to a lack of cohesion with mid-season signings and the exit of two key players to Europe.


 “It was unfortunate. The new additions couldn’t adapt quickly, and losing two key players mid-season disrupted our rhythm.”


In closing, Zubairu extended his best wishes to Kwara United FC ahead of their President Federation Cup final in Lagos on June 28, stating:


> “Kwara United has what it takes to emerge champions. I wish them all the best.”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Ahmed Alfulani Urges Governor AbdulRazaq, Hon. Moshood Mustapha to Embrace Peace for Sake of Ilorin Emirate

Image
Dr. Ahmed Alfulani Urges Governor AbdulRazaq, Hon. Moshood Mustapha to Embrace Peace for Sake of Ilorin Emirate Ilorin-born radio broadcaster and founder of the Sebilu Najat Concept, Dr. Ahmed Olarewaju Alfulani, has appealed to Kwara State’s political heavyweights—Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Hon. Moshood Mustapha (MM)—to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the Ilorin Emirate. Dr. Alfulani made the appeal during his weekly radio programme Sebilu Najat, aired on Sobi FM Ilorin, urging both political gladiators to refrain from dragging each other to court over political disagreements and sentiments.  He emphasized that as traditional title holders under the revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, their actions are embarrassing to the emirate and undermine the dignity associated with their titles. The popular presenter—also a social media influencer and national TV personality—reinforced his message with Qur’anic references. He advised th...
Read more

Kwara United’s Shola Abdulraheem and Yahaya Ibrahim Join Flying Eagles Camp Ahead of WAFU Competition

Image
Kwara United’s Shola Abdulraheem and Yahaya Ibrahim Join Flying Eagles Camp Ahead of WAFU Competition Following their outstanding performances in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the President Federation Cup, Kwara United duo Shola Abdulraheem (creative midfielder) and Yahaya Ibrahim (energetic defender) have received national recognition, earning call-ups to the Flying Eagles (Nigeria U-20 team) currently camping in Abuja ahead of the WAFU tournament. The two players were instrumental in Kwara United’s historic run, helping the Harmony Boys secure their first-ever major national trophy—a feat that earned them widespread applause from fans and pundits alike. In separate interviews, both players expressed gratitude to Kwara United for providing them with a platform to showcase their talent, pledging to give their best in national colours. > “I'm elated with this invitation and ready to contribute my quota to the team,” said Shola Abdulraheem, whose creativit...
Read more

Emir of Ilorin to Turban Mohammed Baba Iliyas as Daudu Egbejila July 25

Image
Emir of Ilorin to Turban Mohammed Baba Iliyas as Daudu Egbejila July 25 Preparations are in top gear for the grand turbaning ceremony of Alhaji Mualim Mohammed Baba Iliyas as the 3rd Daudu Egbejila Wara Osin in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. The ceremony will be performed by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on Friday, 25th July 2025, at the Emir’s Palace, Ilorin, starting at 9:00 AM. According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee,  Dr Bola Moshood Otubu, the event will be preceded by a special lecture organized by the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria on Thursday, 24th July 2025, beginning at 4:00 PM, as part of the spiritual and cultural build-up to the historic occasion. On the day of the turbaning, a ceremonial procession will commence from Balogun Alanamu’s Quarters to the Emir’s Palace at 8:00 AM, marking the traditional passage of the Daudu-elect to his new royal role. Following the official ceremony, a...
Read more