Post-match presser: Flying Eagles coach Zubairu on draw v Morocco, changes to starting XI, Kenya

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has expressed satisfaction with Nigeria's goalless draw against Morocco on Sunday evening in their second group match of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Despite earning a 1-0 win against Tunisia in their opening game, the draw leaves Nigeria second in Group B with four points.

With Morocco leading the group on five points, the Flying Eagles need to avoid a defeat in their final group game against Kenya if they are to advance to the quarterfinals.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Zubairu acknowledged that while the team had aimed for all three points, the draw still keeps them in contention.

"Our intention was to go for the three points at stake today but we couldn't have it we had one point but it is still good," Zubairu said.

The coach made two changes to the starting lineup that defeated Tunisia, signaling a tactical shift aimed at nullifying Morocco's wing play.

Zubairu explained that the adjustments were a response to Morocco's attacking threats observed in their previous match against Kenya.

"We watched their match against Kenya and we realized that the strength of their team is from the two flanks. So definitely, we just have to to make sure they don't operate from the flanks," he noted.

"That was why it attracted the attention of two or three players at every given time to make sure put a check on the flanks. 

"All the same, it was more of a tactical game, even though we didn't have too many chances, I think the tactics worked. We wanted to deny them from both sides and we succeeded in doing that."

Looking ahead to the crucial encounter against Kenya, Zubairu emphasized the importance of focus and respect for their opponents, who are yet to register a point in the group.

"So the last match, it is going to be a match that we would approach with all concentration to make sure we get the three points," he said.

"We have seen the Kenyans play, we saw them in their match against Morocco, we know what they can offer. 

"And the fact that they don't have any point doesn't reduce the strength of their team. 

"We are going to approach the match with all sense of positivity to make sure we get the three points from the match.

"We are not underrating the Kenyans. We know they are a good side, they might not have gotten it right, probably because they are first comers at the AFCON U20. 

"They are a team that we are going to play with a lot of respect despite the fact that they don't have any point in the group."

Victory over Kenya would seal Nigeria's place in the quarterfinals and bring the team one step closer to qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Adeyemi Adewale

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