Flying Eagles’ Coach Expresses Readiness Ahead U-20 AFCON Tournament
Zubairu who said he is optimistic due to the opportunity to play two friendly matches noted that it has given the team a clearer sense of direction and better preparation going into the tournament.
By Olusegun Ajileye
Nigerian U-20 coach, Aliyu Zubairu, says team’s level of preparation ahead of the forthcoming U-20 AFCON in Egypt has improved compared to previous experiences when they went for the WAFU B Tournament in Ghana where Nigeria secured a ticket to the continental youth tournament.
Speaking recently on the team’s readiness on a sports radio in Lagos state, Nigeria, Zubairu acknowledged that the preparation before traveling was a bit below average, but it’s definitely better than what they had before previous matches.
He recalled the team’s first match against Burkina Faso as a crucial part of their build-up, despite the limitations at the time.
“That match was supposed to be part of our tournament fixtures, but it ended up serving as a pre-tournament warm-up. After that, we picked up momentum and eventually won the trophy.”
Zubairu who said he is optimistic due to the opportunity to play two friendly matches noted that it has given the team a clearer sense of direction and better preparation going into the tournament.
The U-20 coach has selected first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and Captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi Jojo and forward Kparobo Arierhi among a squad
Defenders Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu (based in Germany), midfielders Caleb Ochedikwu (based in Croatia) and Simon Cletus, and forwards Clinton Jephta, Divine Oliseh and Precious Benjamin (based in Germany) are also picked.
The seven-time African champions and two-time World Cup runners-up would depart the shores of Nigeria for Egypt on Sunday, where they are expected to play a couple of friendly matches before their opening match of the competition against Tunisia in Cairo on Thursday, 1st May.
Three days after the clash with the Tunisians, the Flying Eagles would take on Morocco in Cairo before rounding off their group phase experience against Kenya on Wednesday, 7th May.
All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile between, 27th September and 19th October.
