2025 WAFU B U20: Nigeria U20 Coach Aliyu Zubair: “We’re Ready – Even If This Wasn’t the Plan”

Head coach of Nigeria’s U20 team, Aliyu Zubair, has admitted that his side had to make last-minute preparations for the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship but insists the Flying Eagles are still ready for action. Nigeria face Ghana in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday, July 10 at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, Zubair revealed that the team had to swiftly reorganize following an initial focus on preparations for the FIFA U20 World Cup. “We’re ready, but it’s really not the competition we are here for,” he said. “We reconvened just a week ago because it was not the time for us to regroup and prepare for the World Cup, but we had to quickly reorganise because of this tournament. However, we are ready.”

Despite the limited preparation time, Zubair expressed confidence in the resilience and pride of his players, especially given the nature of the rivalry with Ghana. The clash between the two nations, regardless of level or setting, always draws attention.

“We know the history between Ghana and Nigeria, and it has always been like that at whatever level,” Zubair stated. “Even if it’s community football between Nigeria and Ghana anywhere, it’s always attractive because of the clean rivalry.”

The Flying Eagles are the defending champions, having won the last edition of the WAFU U20 Championship in Togo, where they beat Ghana in the final. Thursday’s Group A match will mark the beginning of another chapter in this age-old football rivalry.

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