‘We truly mean it’ – Flying Eagles coach confident after Tunisia win, shrugs off Morocco’s European edge

Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu has reaffirmed his team’s ambition to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup following their hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisia in the opening Group B clash of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.

A first-half goal from Auwal Ibrahim — after a sweeping six-pass move — was enough to secure all three points against the North African side. The Flying Eagles, seven-time winners of the tournament, have now scored in six consecutive matches against Tunisia.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Zubairu credited his players’ focus and hunger for success: “There is no secret other than the fact that we truly mean to get the World Cup ticket. The boys realized that they got the first step right in today’s match.”

Attention now turns to Nigeria’s next game against Morocco on May 4. The young Atlas Lions have named a squad featuring 20 European-based players — compared to just five for Nigeria. But Zubairu remained unfazed.

“You are trying to make me understand that Morocco have more players from Europe, that’s very good. We will handle every match accordingly,” he said. “Against Tunisia the match is gone, our match plan against Morocco is for our consumption alone but we are going to work towards that.”

Zubairu also addressed his preference for home-based players, pointing to the benefits of an extended training camp.

“We spent almost a month in closed camping, and European players do not have the opportunity to be part of the preparations. They need to understand the team’s tactical structure,” he explained. “It’s not that they’re underperforming—they’re doing well. In fact, today three played, two were on the bench. We only have five European-based players.”

After matchday one, Nigeria sit second in Group B, level on three points with Morocco, who fought from behind to claim a 3-2 win over Kenya.