After WAFU B Triumph, Coach Zubairu Sets Bold Target for Nigeria at FIFA U-20 World Cup

Fresh off leading Nigeria’s U-20 team to retain the WAFU B Championship title, head coach Aliyu Zubairu is aiming for even greater heights – winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup. His confidence comes after the Flying Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana in the WAFU B final in Togo, which earned them a spot in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. The top four teams there will qualify for the 2025 U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Reflecting on his vision, Zubairu said, “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?” With Nigeria’s history of reaching the final twice, in 1989 and 2005, Zubairu is optimistic about pushing further.

He emphasized the importance of proper preparation and structured development to help Nigeria’s young talent shine on the global stage, noting, “The countries that are doing it are not better in terms of playing; Nigeria even has better players. With better preparation, we can reach that level.”

As one of Africa’s most successful youth teams, with a record seven U-20 AFCON titles, the Flying Eagles now have their sights set on adding a U-20 World Cup trophy to their achievements.