Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu remains optimistic; As the U20 team can settle for accumulation matches with Egyptian clubs

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu remains optimistic for an excellent exit in the imminent African Cup U20 of Nations in Egypt, despite the growing concern for the absence of accumulation parties of degree A for its side.

Sports247 gathered that the Zubairu team, whose final list of squadrons for the competition was launched on Thursday, this Sunday will fly to Egypt for the last return of their preparations, but seem ready to play clubs, instead of countries, in their remaining accumulation games.

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The coach hinted so much while giving an update on his preparations for the competition, which begins on April 28, since he acknowledged that the officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have not yet finished plans to organize friendly matches for the team on April 23.

Zubairu, although he said that he and his players remain completely focused on their goal of choosing a ticket for the FIFA U20 World Cup, which described as its priority for the U20 AFCon in Egypt, where Tango Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco in Group B.

The tactic, who is also the coach of the El-Kanemi FC warriors of Maiduguri, added: “First we are going to look for the World Cup ticket. By when we reach the semifinals, we will think about what will be good for the country. But, for now, the World Cup ticket is our priority.”

Zubairu then talked about the NFF plan for the team to play two friendly matches before the competition begins, as he said: “We will have one on 23 and another on 26. The countries that we are going to play? The Federation is still in contact with them.

“The conversations have not been finished, but, anyway, even if we do not have those countries to play, although I still believe, I hope we get them, we will have enough clubs to play.”

He concluded with the opinion that playing against the sides of the Egyptian club would also give the flying eagles a feeling of how a national team in North Africa would face, after which he believes that his players will be in a much better mood to face Tunisia and Morocco when the chips are reduced in the U20 AFCON.

“We are equal to the task. We have two countries in North Africa in our group. Therefore, playing any team in Egypt will be as good as playing against a country in North Africa.” Zubairu assured any doubtful Thomas.

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