AFCON U20: Zubairu Reacts After CAF Draws Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco With Nigeria

AFCON U20: Zubairu Reacts After CAF Draws Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco With Nigeria

Ibrahim Lateef

The Head Coach of Nigeria's Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu has commented on the new draw for the upcoming U20 AFCON in Egypt. The revised draw, released on Sunday, was necessitated by Cote d'Ivoire's withdrawal from hosting the tournament, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

Previously, Nigeria's Flying Eagles were placed in a group alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.

Regarding this development, the coach dismissed the notion of facing strong teams, emphasizing that no team can be considered a "minnow" in African football anymore.

He stated, "I believe it's time we stop viewing some teams as stronger while considering others weaker. There are no minor opponents in Africa; it all depends on your level of preparation."

Expressing confidence in his team, the coach pointed out that football requires preparation for any opponent, rather than making excuses.

"When the first draw was announced, we referred to it as the 'group of death' because we were grouped with Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco. Now with the new draw, featuring Tunisia, Kenya, and the same Morocco, we are already calling it another difficult group. Which country do we want to face that isn’t tough? The focus should be on how well we have prepared."

Reflecting on the team's three-week training camp in Katsina, he noted significant improvement, stating that the players have increased their adaptability and team cohesion, and they are not intimidated by the North African teams in their new group.

 "From what we observed in Katsina, the team has made tremendous progress in blending and adapting to a more advanced approach to matches," he said.

He added that strategies for dealing with North African teams are best kept internal.

The coach further remarked, "There is no pressure of any kind. Our focus is on achieving our primary goal, which is to secure a ticket to the World Cup."

Now back in Abuja after their training camp in Katsina, the seven-time African champions are set to travel to Egypt this week for an eight-day final preparation phase before the competition begins.

The 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations will take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18 of this year.

Having won the WAFU-B regional cup to qualify for this prestigious tournament, the Nigerian team is determined to secure a World Cup spot.

All four semi-finalists from the tournament in Egypt will represent Africa at this year's FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which will be held from September 27 to October 19.