Aiming for Victory in U-20 African Nations Cup: Coach Aliyu Zubairu of the Flying Eagles Squad
The Flying Eagles have booked their ticket for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after securing a semi-final spot in the U-20 AFCON. On Monday, the team made waves by defeating defending champions Senegal in a thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout. Now, they're gearing up for their next challenge—a semi-final showdown against South Africa on Thursday.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu is buzzing with confidence. He sees this match as an opportunity to demonstrate their improved gameplay, now that the World Cup qualification has been secured. "We anticipate a competitive semi-final against the South Africans," he shared in an interview with NFF Media. "Now that we have achieved our World Cup qualification, we can approach the next match with greater focus and composure, which will positively influence our gameplay."
The fierce rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa adds a dash of excitement to the upcoming face-off, a fact that Zubairu acknowledges. "We are prepared to give it our all and compete fiercely for the title," he affirmed.
As for their opponents, South Africa also endured a grueling match, edging out the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in extra time at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium—the same venue where Nigeria defeated Senegal.
The Flying Eagles have a rich history in the U-20 AFCON, having claimed the title an impressive seven times. Their victories came in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011, and 2015, with runner-up finishes in 1999 and 2007, and bronze medals in 2009 and 2013.
Meanwhile, hosts Egypt, who have claimed the title four times, will lock horns with Morocco in the second semi-final in Cairo. But for now, all eyes are on the nail-biting encounter between Nigeria and South Africa.
And if you're curious about the top scorers ahead of the semi-finals, check out the latest standings. Or revisit the exciting moments from the Under-20 AFCON quarter-finals, when the Flying Eagles overcame Kenya to qualify for the semi-finals.
Sources:
- "Flying Eagles beat Senegal on penalties" - (NFF Media)
- "Nigeria vs South Africa", KMC Live
- "2025 U-20 AFCON Top Scorers" - KMC Live
- "U-20 AFCON Semis: Flying Eagles of Nigeria to Face South Africa", FootballGhana.com
- "Nigeria's Flying Eagles Knock Out Defending Champions Senegal To Reach 2025 U-20 AFCON Semis", KMC Live
- "FIFA U20 World Cup", Wikipedia
- "Under-20 AFCON", Wikipedia
- "2025 U-20 AFCON Final", Wikipedia
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In the midst of their U-20 AFCON campaign, the Flying Eagles are aiming to add the title of African Champions to their impressive tally of seven previous victories. With their upcoming semi-final against South Africa, they are one step closer to replicating their Champions League-like success in European leagues. Meanwhile, breathtaking football action is unfolding in the UEFA Champions League, where the Super Eagles – Nigeria's national football team – are currently making waves in European football. Coach Eric Chelle, who has been supporting the Flying Eagles in Egypt, might also be keen to witness the Super Eagles' performances in this coveted European tournament.
