Former Flying Eagles player, Loveday Omoruyi has expressed his support for the appointment of Aliyu Zubairu as head coach of the Men’s U20 NT.
The announcement of a new Flying Eagles coach comes just over a month after the NFF declared the position vacant.
In a communique on Tuesday, the NFF confirmed Zubairu’s appointment, highlighting his success in leading El-Kanemi Warriors to victory in the President Federation Cup.
His appointment takes effect immediately.
El-Kanemi Warriors head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu. Photo | Nigeria Soccernet
In his reaction during an interview on Brila FM, Omoruyi praised the decision, noting that it marks a departure from an unwanted practice.
Omoruyi admitted that he initially expected former coach Samson Siasia to be considered for the position, but welcomed the fresh approach.
“Recycling of coaches where someone who coached five years ago or even ten years ago is brought back again makes it seem like the younger coaches aren’t growing,” Omoruyi stated.
“So if Zubairu is given this appointment based on his track record, it’s a joyous development for this country.”
“The position has been vacant for some time, and I thought maybe someone like Siasia, since his ban was lifted, would be given another chance because of his experience.”
Samson Siasia [Image: Getty Images]
Omoruyi continued: “Siasia has taken us to the World Cup final and has other achievements as well. But it’s a welcome idea to avoid recycling.
“We have young, vibrant coaches like Ilechukwu, Ogunmodede, and Ogunbote, who have been around for years. I don’t see why we shouldn’t give these people opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Zubairu replaces Ladan Bosso, who last led the team at the African Games in Ghana, as well as the U20 AFCON and FIFA U20 World Cup in 2023.
Nigeria’ former U20 MNT head coach Ladan Bosso. (Photo by ANDRES LARROVERE/AFP via Getty Images)
His immediate task will be to assemble and prepare a team for the WAFU B U20 Championship.
