As excitement builds ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has made a bold declaration that ‘Nigeria will be ready, but only if the team begins preparation immediately.’
The Nigeria Football Federation, and club stakeholders, Zubairu laid bare his strategy, challenges, and dreams as he looks to guide Nigeria’s U-20 side to glory on the global stage come September.
“Four Months is Enough – If We Start Now!”
Speaking in an interview, Zubairu stressed that early preparation is the difference between success and failure.
“If we start early, four months is a big time… If we have three months preparation, it will be sufficient,” he said confidently.
The tactician’s statement comes just weeks after Nigeria’s quarter-final exit at the U-20 AFCON, a performance that secured the World Cup ticket but also exposed certain tactical gaps and depth concerns.
“Since the team has played in the Nations Cup now, we know where the deficiencies are. We just have to fortify,” Zubairu admitted.
“And perhaps, a player that may fit into the team might be in Europe.”
Foreign-Based Players: The Missing Puzzle Piece?
One of Zubairu’s biggest challenges is integrating Nigerian players based overseas, who may be vital to boosting the team’s quality and experience.
“The only problem we might have is those that will be coming from abroad, you know,” he explained.
“It now depends on how we are able to talk to the [foreign] teams and release them for us early enough to be part of the preparation.”
But he insists it’s a battle worth fighting.
“You have to give all Nigerians opportunity,” he emphasized, suggesting that some of Nigeria’s best young talents may not currently be in the domestic league or part of the initial AFCON squad.
Extended Camping, Tactical Overhaul on the Cards
Coach Zubairu revealed that he welcomes an extended camping window, which would allow the team to not just regroup but rebuild stronger and smarter.
“We just have to fortify,” he repeated, pointing to a plan that will likely involve new player invitations, advanced tactical drills, and multiple friendly matches before heading to Chile.
With four months on the calendar and a federation under pressure to deliver after several near-misses in recent tournaments, the call for action is clear.
Flying Eagles’ Mission: Redemption and Glory
The Flying Eagles – Nigeria’s most successful youth team historically – are still chasing their first FIFA U-20 World Cup title, having finished runners-up twice (1989, 2005).
With talents scattered across Europe and Africa, and Zubairu at the helm, the dream of breaking the jinx burns brighter than ever.
NFF’s response to Zubairu’s plea for early camp is eagerly awaited.
A training camp announcement and friendly match schedule are expected in the coming weeks.
Chile 2025 could be the stage where history is rewritten – but only if the journey begins now.
“Four months is big enough time for us to prepare. We will be ready,” Zubairu repeated. “
