As the WAFU-B U20 Cup kicks off in Ghana, all eyes are on Nigeria’s Flying Eagles who are set to rekindle their age-old football rivalry with the host nation in today’s opening showdown. But Coach Aliyu Zubairu isn’t blinking.
The confident gaffer has declared his boys are primed and ready to clip Ghana’s wings when both teams lock horns at the Prampram Centre in Accra by 3pm today.
Zubairu, speaking with reporters ahead of the crunch Group A clash, gave a thumbs-up to the team’s smooth preparations since landing in Ghana.
“We’ve had excellent access to top-class facilities here, and that’s made our build-up solid,” he said, radiating belief in his squad’s readiness.
But the coach isn’t just gunning for another trophy—he’s on a mission to discover new stars under pressure.
“It’s not just about the match; I want to see how the newcomers respond to this kind of atmosphere,” he explained. “Big games like this are the best stage to test character.”
The Flying Eagles, reigning champions of the last two editions of the WAFU B U20 Championship, will be defending their crown against a Ghanaian side hungry for revenge—especially after Nigeria pipped them 2-1 in last year’s final in Togo.
Zubairu knows the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry runs deep, but insists his focus remains on team chemistry and blooding new talent.
“This rivalry didn’t start today and it won’t end today either,” he said with a knowing smile. “But our focus is clear—we’re building a team for the World Cup.”
Indeed, this tournament is more than regional bragging rights. It’s a dress rehearsal for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile this September.
Zubairu, the architect behind Nigeria’s third-place finish at the U20 AFCON in Egypt earlier this year, is banking on momentum—and pride.
Today’s match promises fireworks. And if Zubairu’s words are anything to go by, the Flying Eagles are ready to soar again.
