Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has pledged to strengthen his squad with new players ahead of Nigeria's campaign at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with particular focus on improving the team's attacking efficiency.
The Nigerian U-20 team, who secured a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in May, have been drawn in Group F where they will face Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway in the global tournament.
Speaking during Kwara SWAN Hard Talk held at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre in Ilorin on Monday, Zubairu acknowledged the team's struggles in front of goal during the continental championship and outlined his plans for improvement.
"We'll be inviting more players to bolster all departments. We must fix the issues we saw at the AFCON, especially our finishing," the coach stated.
Addressing Offensive Challenges
Despite securing a bronze medal at the U-20 AFCON, the Flying Eagles' performance was marred by inefficiency in attack, a concern that Zubairu is determined to address before the World Cup.
The coach's comments suggest a comprehensive review of the squad is underway, with new talents likely to be invited to strengthen various positions, particularly in the forward line.
Nigeria's opponents in Group F present diverse challenges. Colombia has a strong tradition in youth football, while Saudi Arabia will bring their distinctive style to the competition. Norway, led by coach Johansen, has already expressed confidence about facing the Flying Eagles.
Preparation Timeline
With the tournament approaching, Zubairu's focus on early preparations indicates the technical team's commitment to presenting a more formidable side at the World Cup than was seen at the continental level.
The Flying Eagles' bronze medal at the U-20 AFCON secured their qualification for the World Cup, but the team's performance suggested room for improvement if they are to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Football analysts have noted that Nigeria's youth teams have historically performed well at World Cup tournaments, with the Flying Eagles previously reaching the final in 1989 and 2005.
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