Every word Flying Eagles coach said on search for a finisher, creative midfielder, opponents, friendlies & more

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has provided insight into Nigeria's preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following the official draw released on Friday in Santiago.

Nigeria has been placed in Group F alongside Norway, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia, a grouping some observers have labelled "relatively easy" for the West African giants.

However, Zubairu has downplayed such assessments, stressing that there are no easy groups in modern football and that success hinges entirely on preparation and execution.

"My thoughts about the draw are positive. Hence we are part of the team that was drawn. Assuming we are not part of the World Cup, no one will even talk about drawing us into any group," Zubairu said in a post-draw interview, made available to allnigeriasoccer.com.

Zubairu, who also manages Nigeria Professional Football League side El-Kanemi Warriors, recalled past experiences where teams underestimated their opponents to their peril.

"There's nothing like any easy group or group of death. I remember vividly, the first draw that was done, we were in the same group with Morocco, Egypt and South Africa, we tagged it a group of death.

"But after the withdrawal of Ivory Coast, it was withdrawn. Then we were in the same group with Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya, I say what do you call that one now, group of life or what," he remarked humorously.

"In every group your performance on your achievement in the group depends on your own preparation. There are no lesser or bigger countries in football anymore.

"How you prepare, is how you will be presented. Everybody saw Kenya, and Sierra Leone, went there as an underdog and they were beating the likes of Egypt. 

"So there's nothing like an easy group or group of death. Your preparation determines what you are going to achieve in the group."

As part of the team's preparation, Zubairu revealed that the Flying Eagles will participate in a WAFU invitational tournament in Ghana in June, subject to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) approval. 

The tournament will serve as a critical test for refining tactics and finalizing player selections.

"We have a WAFU invitational tournament in Ghana that is coming sometime in June, after that one we are going to take off, but it is subject to NFF's approval."

He also acknowledged key areas for improvement within the squad, especially in the attacking and midfield departments.

"We are trying to parade a Flying Eagles that will have better possession of the ball and do well in the final third."

"You will agree with me that in all the matches that we play at AFCON, no matter how people believe the team has not performed, there is no team that has better possession against Nigeria.

"We understand quite well that there's a problem in our attacking third, in terms of finishing. We are not being clinical and that has been taken care of.

"And we are definitely going to do something about it by making sure that attacking and midfield players that have creativity is what is going to be what we are going to focus more attention to. 

"We are going to bring in some players that have better finishing, attacking midfielder that has better creativity."

Zubairu also set a high benchmark for the team, stating that his goal is not just to compete but to surpass previous records.

"My target is to try and surpass our previous record. I think Nigeria has been at the finals two times, we are looking forward to seeing how we can go beyond that by winning the trophy. 

"It is not too much for Nigeria to win the trophy. Since we have been at the finals twice, so anything less than finals, we have not surpassed the past record and that's what we are trying to do," he said confidently.

The Flying Eagles booked their ticket to Chile after finishing third at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, defeating the hosts in the third-place playoff to secure bronze and one of the continent's World Cup slots.

With expectations high and preparations underway, Zubairu called on Nigerians to rally behind the team. 

"Nigeria should believe in and support the team. Almost 95% of the team that went to WAFU were part of the team at AFCON," he concluded.

The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off on September 27 2025, in Chile, with Nigeria aiming to lift the trophy for the first time in history.

Adeyemi Adewale

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