“Not a group of death” – Flying Eagles coach Zubairu unfazed as Nigeria tackle Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

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High Chief
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Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu remains unbothered by the tough opponents drawn alongside the Flying Eagles in the group stage of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, 9JaUpDate247 reports. 

The AFCON U20 draw, conducted on Thursday, placed record seven-time winners Nigeria in Group B alongside three formidable teams: Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

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Egypt, a four-time U20 AFCON champion, boasts a rich history in the competition, finishing runners-up in 2005 and claiming bronze on three occasions.

Aliyu Zubairu, coach of the Nigeria Flying Eagles and El-Kanemi Warriors. Photo Credit X
Aliyu Zubairu, coach of the Nigeria Flying Eagles and El-Kanemi Warriors. Photo Credit X

Morocco, winners of the 1997 tournament on home soil, edged South Africa 1-0 in that final. South Africa, meanwhile, have only reached the final once but secured a bronze medal in 2019 after beating Nigeria on penalties.

Despite the high-caliber opposition, Zubairu is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances.

“It’s a very good draw,” Zubairu told the NFF.

“If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.”

READ MORE: 2025 U20 AFCON: Ghana relieved to avoid Nigeria as Flying Eagles face Egypt and South Africa

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The 2025 U20 AFCON, set to kick off in April, features three groups.

Nigeria Flying Eagles WAFU B champions
Flying Eagles – Photo by IMAGO

While Nigeria’s Group B includes three former champions, Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-qualify team from the UNIFFAC zone.

Group C features defending champions Senegal, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya.

With Nigeria’s group viewed as the toughest, some have labeled it the “group of death.” However, Zubairu has dismissed this notion.

“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said.

“In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”

Aliyu Zubairu’s winning mentality

Zubairu’s confidence comes on the back of a highly successful year 2024. 

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The experienced tactician guided El-Kanemi Warriors to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and led the club to their first Federation Cup triumph in 32 years, defeating Abia Warriors 2–0 in the final.

His impressive achievements earned him the role of Flying Eagles head coach, a position he has balanced alongside his club duties.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles celebrate WAFU B success. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles celebrate WAFU B success with coach Aliyu Zubairu.  Photo by IMAGO

Under his leadership, Nigeria’s U20 team won the WAFU B Tournament, edging out arch-rivals Ghana 2-1 in the final.

Now, Zubairu has his sights set on the biggest trophy of his career—the U20 AFCON title in Côte d’Ivoire, running from April 26 to May 18.

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