2025 U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu eyes World Cup ticket

Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has revealed his team’s primary objective ahead of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to the former Gombe United gaffer, his aim is to secure a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, which means finishing as one of the last four of the tournament.

The recent redraw placed Nigeria in Group B, alongside Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco, following Côte d'Ivoire's withdrawal as tournament hosts.

This group has been labelled a ‘group of death' by some in the Nigerian football community. However, despite facing tough North African opponents, Zubairu remains focused on guiding his team through the group stage to secure a World Cup ticket.

“There is no pressure of any kind. All we are doing is to keep focus to achieve our first target, which is to get the ticket to the World Cup,” he told Soccernet.ng.

Seven-time champion of the competition, recently wrapped up a three-week training camp in Katsina and are expected to travel to Egypt for an eight-day final preparation phase.

Zubair believes the team has made significant progress and is confident in their readiness for the continental challenge.

The Flying Eagles will begin their campaign between April 27th and May 18th, with the top four teams at the tournament earning a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Chile from September 27 to October 19.