Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu says he’s building a team that will compete and win the most coveted trophies available, but insists the team is a work in progress.
Zubairu led Nigeria to a successful title defence of the WAFU B U-20 Championship, triumphing 2-1 against Ghana in the final.
Nigerian Players celebrate winning the WAFU B U20 Championship. Photo | X
The victory also earned Nigeria a spot at the U20 AFCON tournament.
Despite the triumph, Aliyu Zubairu expressed his dissatisfaction with some aspects of the team.
“I was dissatisfied with our defence; we conceded goals consistently,” he stated. “This vulnerability cannot be overlooked on a bigger stage,” he said told the Ilorin SWAN.
Nigeria U20 MNT in training during the WAFU B U20 Championship. Photo | X
Zubairu revealed a few highlights including how he had only 37 days from his appointment to the WAFU B tournament, and him retaining only three players from the previous team.
He has pledged to integrate Nigeria’s foreign-based talents for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.
“We will not hinder their participation and are committed to selecting those with the necessary skills,” Zubairu said.
Among the promising prospects eligible for the Flying Eagles are Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Sampdoria, and Alvin Okoro of Vis Pesaro in Italy’s Serie C.
Akinsanmiro vies for the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Magdeburg and UC Sampdoria at Avnet Arena. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
OGC Nice forward Vince Orakpo, Genk left-back Christian Akpan, Hapoel Jerusalem attacker Andrew Idoko, and Valerenga winger Onyebuchi Obasi.
Additionally, 18-year-old defender Vince Osuji from Kalmar FF is expected to bolster a defense.
With the U-20 AFCON scheduled for early next year, Coach Aliyu Zubairu has the opportunity to make significant adjustments to the squad.
The Cup of Nations will also determine the continent’s representatives for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
