Flying Eagles Coach Accepts Blame for Semi-Final Loss, Hints at Major Squad Overhaul Ahead of U-20 World Cup

Flying Eagles Coach Accepts Blame for Semi-Final Loss, Hints at Major Squad Overhaul Ahead of U-20 World Cup

By Niyi Busari 

Head coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has taken full responsibility for the team’s 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF U-20 African Nations Cup. The match, played Thursday night at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, saw Nigeria bow out of title contention, prompting the coach to acknowledge shortcomings in the squad.

“I take full responsibility for our failure to reach the final. As head coach, the blame rests on me,” Zubairu told journalists after the match.

Zubairu, however, did not mince words about the performance of several players, signaling that many may not make the final squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled for September 2025.

“This tournament has helped us identify the players capable of stepping up to the next level and those who are not. After our WAFU B success, we dropped many players because their quality wasn’t sufficient for the continental stage. A similar review will happen again. It’s clear that some of the current squad members aren’t ready for the demands of a World Cup,” he said.

Looking ahead to the third-place playoff on Sunday, Zubairu promised a more focused effort from his team.

“We will regroup and approach the game with the seriousness it deserves,” he added.

The coach also addressed Nigeria’s attacking struggles, a recurring issue throughout the tournament.

“Our biggest problem has been poor finishing. We’ve created chances but failed to convert them. Everyone knows Kparobo Arierhi is a clinical striker, and we relied on him heavily. Unfortunately, he couldn’t deliver here. That said, he remains a quality player—this just wasn’t his tournament.”

Nigeria will face the hosts Egypt in the Third Place match on Sunday. Morocco pipped Egypt 1-0 in the second semi-final. South Africa and Morroco will face off in the final.