LAGOS – Despite retaining the WAFU B Under-20 trophy, Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu had said that there is still room for improvement from the team.
Following the successful impressive performance by the team where they defended their crown at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Lome, Togo, last month, coach Aliyu Zubairu said the team is still work in progress.
Recalled that Nigeria and Ghana clinched their places in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) From the developing news : “I’m somewhat dissatisfied with our defence; we were conceding goals consistently.
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This vulnerability cannot be overlooked on a larger stage,” he made this statement during a meeting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, in Ilorin on Monday.
The Flying Eagles lost the first group match to Burkina Faso but defeated Cote d’Ivoire and then beat Ghana 2-1 in the final to retain the trophy and booked a place at the U20 AFCON proper. The U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, known for short as the U-20 AFCON and for sponsorship purposes as TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Previously known as the African Youth Championship and the African U-20 Championship, is the biennial international youth football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its nations consisting of players under the age of 20. It serves as the African qualification tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Zubairu has pledged to give Nigeria’s foreign-based talents the opportunity to join the squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa,.
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After leading a predominantly home-based squad to victory at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Lome, Togo, last month, Zubairu is now considering overseas-based players to bolster his team.
With AFCON scheduled for early next year, Zubairu is opening the door to Nigerian youngsters excelling in European leagues to strengthen the squad.
He confirmed his commitment to integrating foreign-based players if they meet the required standards. “We will not hinder their participation and are committed to selecting those with the necessary skills,” Zubairu said.
Among the exciting Nigerian prospects eligible for the Flying Eagles are Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Sampdoria, and Alvin Okoro of Vis Pesaro in Italy’s Serie C.
Also in contention are OGC Nice forward Vince Orakpo, Genk left-back Christian Akpan, Hapoel Jerusalem attacker Andrew Idoko, and Valerenga winger Onyebuchi Obasi.
Kalmar FF’s Vince Osuji, an 18-year-old defender, could also help fortify a defence that struggled to keep clean sheets during the WAFU B Championship.
The Flying Eagles are the most successful national team at the U-20 AFCON, winning the tournament a record seven times.
However, Nigeria have not reclaimed the honour since 2015 when a team that had Taiwo Awoniyi and Obinna Nwobodo romped to glory in Senegal.
