Benin’s Tchayé frustrated, Nigeria’s Zubairu flaunts tactical brilliance after Flying Eagles seal WAFU B spot

Nigeria's Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu hailed his side’s tactical discipline after they stormed into the semi-finals of the 2025 UFOA-B U20 Championship with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Benin Republic in Group A, Soccernet.ng reports.

Although the Flying Eagles fell behind to a superb free kick from Junior Olugbade in the 23rd minute, they rallied impressively, with four unanswered goals sealing a dominant second-half display.

The game was Nigeria's second match of the tournament – the Flying Eagles drew 1-1 with hosts Ghana on matchday one – while it was Benin’s first game. The Young Cheetahs had rested during the opening round of matches as there are only three teams in Group A.

During the pre-match press conference, Zubairu admitted that Nigeria’s coaching staff needed the first few minutes of the encounter to study Benin’s strength. The Young Cheetahs broke the deadlock midway through the first half from a brilliant freekick.

Former El-Kanemi Warriors FC coach Zubairu was, however, quick to highlight how his tactical adjustments on the flanks neutralised Benin’s primary attacking threats afterwards.

“We saw that they are strong on the wings, we did everything to block them on the wings, we forced them to play in the middle but they did not have the opportunity to play in the middle either,” said the Nigerian coach, whose side now top the group with four points from two matches.

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That tactical tweak proved decisive as exciting forward Mohammed Abdullahi capitalised on a defensive error to equalise in the 38th minute, before second-half goals from Anthony Kpangu, Imrana Muhammad, and Abdudjelil Mustapha secured the win.

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Zubairu's opposite number, Raymond Tchayé, expressed his frustration at the final scoreline, despite believing his players carried out instructions to the letter.

“The boys more or less respected our game plan. High-level sport is unforgiving. If you don't do the right things at the right time, you get punished,” Tchayé said, reflecting on missed opportunities and defensive lapses.

Benin had their chances but failed to convert them, and their hopes now hinge on a must-win clash against Ghana.

Ghana’s Black Satellites need at least a draw to progress while Nigeria can relax slightly, with a semi-final place already secured.

For Zubairu, however, the job isn’t done.

“We are not getting carried away,” he added. “There’s still work to do.”

Nigeria will top Group A unless Ghana beat Benin by four or more goals. All eyes now turn to that final showdown, where Group A’s remaining semi-final slot will be decided.