“They are not a weak team” – Nigeria Flying Eagles coach Zubairu refuses to write off dangerous Kenya

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has cast a cautionary glance at Kenya even as he described Sunday’s goalless draw against Morocco at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as a positive result, Footynaija.com reports.

The result means Nigeria now sit second in the group with four points, levelled with leaders Morocco who have scored more goals (three to Nigeria’s one).

Having opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, the Flying Eagles must avoid defeat in their final group game against Kenya to confirm a place in the quarterfinals.

How group B shapes up after today’s results. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/8maIcOUzbB

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Speaking at ...-match press conference, Zubairu admitted the draw was not what the team had planned for but insisted it was a satisfactory outcome that keeps their hopes alive.

“Our intention was to go for the three points at stake today, but we couldn’t get them,” Zubairu said. “Still, one point is good and keeps us in a strong position.”

Zubairu made two changes to the starting XI that beat Tunisia, opting for a more defensive setup to counter Morocco’s threat from the wings.

HIGHLIGHTS: 0-0

Neither sides could break the deadlock. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #MARNGA pic.twitter.com/7jBSiEErJV

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“We watched their match against Kenya and realised the strength of their team lies on the flanks,” he explained. “So we decided to make sure they couldn’t operate freely from those areas.”

Zubairu said his tactical tweak involved deploying two or three players at any given moment to crowd out Morocco’s wingers. Though Nigeria didn’t create many chances, he was satisfied with the discipline his side showed.

“All the same, it was more of a tactical game. We succeeded in limiting their threat down both flanks,” he added.

Looking ahead to the final group match against Kenya, who are yet to pick up a point, Zubairu stressed the importance of maintaining focus and not underestimating their opponents.

“The last match is one we’ll approach with full concentration. We know what the Kenyans can offer — we watched them against Morocco,” he said.

“Despite not having any points, they’re not a weak team. It may be their first time at this level, but we will treat them with the respect they deserve. We’re going all out to get the three points.”

A win over Kenya would secure Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage and edge them closer to a coveted spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.