Aliyu Zubairu is the man leading Nigeria’s charge at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Appointed in September 2024 by the Nigeria Football Federation, the 49-year-old coach took over the Flying Eagles after being recommended by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee.
Since then, he has built a team capable of returning Nigeria to the top at youth level, with one eye on the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Before taking over the national U20 team, Zubairu carved a strong reputation in the Nigeria Professional Football League. He previously managed Wikki Tourists (2018–2019), then Gombe United for two seasons(2021/2022 and 2022/2023 abridged).
In 2023, he joined El-Kanemi Warriors and led them to a Federation Cup win in 2024. Zubairu is known for his tactical discipline and balanced team selection. He prefers a 4-3-3 shape but adapts based on the opposition. During the group phase of the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Cairo, he rotated well between games.
Nigeria finished second in Group B with five points: a 1–0 win against Tunisia, followed by draws against Morocco and Kenya. Midfielder Daniel Bameyi and striker Kparobo Arierhi were standout performers, with Arierhi scoring in the 2–2 draw against Kenya.
As the Flying Eagles prepare to face defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals, Zubairu has called for full discipline and concentration. “It is a big match for both teams because the winner will be going to the World Cup,” he revealed in an earlier report.
His 24-man squad includes a mix of domestic players and Europe-based talents. Emmanuel Chukwu of Hoffenheim and Kparobo Arierhi of Lillestrom SK have added valuable experience and spark. Zubairu has shown a willingness to open the door to players born abroad.
With Nigeria aiming for an eighth U-20 AFCON title and a return to the world stage, Zubairu’s leadership, calm tactical planning, and player management have been vital.
His next test comes against a physical Senegal side in Cairo. Should the Flying Eagles win, they will seal a World Cup ticket and continue their push for continental success.