BY TONY UDOKA
With the WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament fast approaching, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has outlined his tactical focus as Nigeria’s U20 national team resumed camping in Abuja.
Zubairu said the technical crew is already taking proactive steps to address the team’s attacking weaknesses, which hampered previous outings.
“We are taking proactive measures to ensure that the challenges we encountered previously are addressed squarely,” he said. “My assistants and I are well aware of the issues related to the team’s attacking prowess, and we’re making concerted efforts to rectify the situation.”
He noted that the upcoming tournament in Ghana offers a timely opportunity to scout and integrate new talent, adding that the matches will also serve as preparatory games for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
“The tournament in Ghana offers us a good window to showcase a few more players, and we will grab that opportunity,” Zubairu said. “We intend to use the matches as part of our buildup for the World Cup finals in Chile.”
Nigeria—two-time FIFA U20 World Cup runners-up—will represent Africa at the 24th edition of the global showpiece from September 27 to October 19, alongside South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt.
The WAFU B tournament is scheduled to be held in Ghana from July 10 to 23, with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles placed in Group A alongside hosts Ghana and Benin Republic.
Nigeria will play Ghana on July 10, followed by a clash with Benin on July 13. Group B consists of Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Togo