Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has reacted to his team’s stalemate against Kenya reports Completesports.com.
Nigeria forced the Rising Stars to a 2-2 draw in their final group game at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
The nine-time champions finished second in Group B behind Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 2-1.
Zubairu stated that the Kenyans made things difficult for his team in the game.
Read Also:U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Pick Quarter-final Ticket After 2-2 Draw With Kenya
“It was not an easy match, the Kenyans have played two games previously which they lost. They came all out so that they don’t leave the competition without getting a win. That’s why the game was difficult. All this same, it was a good game,” the gaffer told a press conference monitored by the team’s media officer, Shariff Abdallah.
“I want to correct an impression, of course many Nigerians will be disappointed with the result because of the opposition but what is important is for us to get to the next stage, which is the quarter-final.”
With the Flying Eagles still awaiting their quarter-final opponent, Zubairu declared that they are now firmly focused on that contest.
“I believe we are there because of our hard work. Even though this match did not go as expected, the Kenyans came all out to make sure they get something out of the match which makes things difficult for us,” he added.
“I believe the quarter-final is the most important match of the competition. We need to work on the pshche of the players towards that next match, that is very important. We want to go to the World Cup, we must win the match. We will start preparing immediately.”
By Adeboye Amosu
2 Comments
Those criticising the FE boys should cut them the slack, for the FE boys are trying. Do you think other teams who qualified for the tournament from their various zones came to Egypt for sightseeing? The boys have qualified for the QF and yet over-sabi Nigerians would not commend them for their efforts, what if they were sent packing from the group stage?
From what I have seen so far from all the group matches in the tournament, I can’t single out any team that is better than these our boys. Yes you need a bit of luck to win tournaments, outside talent, and if that mother luck shine on the FE, I don’t see any country in this u20 Afcon stopping them.
It’s Nigeria vs Senegal in the QF. Beat the Junior Teranga Lions and qualify for Chile 2025.
A tough call no doubt. But if Zubariru crosses that hurdle, then he can concentrate on fortifying the team with talented foreign legion.