The Head Coach of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, Coach Aliyu Zubairu, is looking forward to making a big mark after the FIFA U-20 World Cup draw in Chile on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are in Group F alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway in a draw held in Santiago, Chile.
Thoughts On The Chile 2025 Draw
While reflecting on the draw, Aliyu noted that his team’s goal is to prepare and compete well in the Chile 2025 World Cup.
“My thoughts about the draw are positive. It’s very good that Nigeria is one of the countries participating in the World Cup proper.”
The coach believes that the last U20 AFCON in Egypt helped the technical crew understand where improvements are needed, and he’s committed to working towards it.
He emphasized that the team’s possession-based style was evident at the last AFCON but admitted that goal scoring was the major bane at the African showpiece.
“We will fortify the team in all departments before the World Cup, particularly in attack, by bringing in players who will be more clinical in front of goal- these players can be from within Nigeria or those playing abroad; so long you are good to fit in and you are eligible agewise -where you are coming from is irrelevant”
“We are going to prepare a team that can play with higher possession and intensity, transform possession into goals, and defend effectively.” He adds.
Aliyu expressed optimism that the team will surpass its record, with winning the trophy being the main target.
Adequate Preparation
Also, Aliyu revealed he desires adequate preparation of his team and rejects the narrative of playing in a tough or easy group, adding that the team is always prepared for any challenge, as evident in the last AFCON when the initial draw was changed due to the withdrawal of Côte d’Ivoire as the host Nation.
“I have said it many times that there’s nothing like a group of death or a weaker group, but it’s the level of preparation of each team matters.”
“As part of the preparation, we have WAFU invitational tournament in Ghana sometime in June and we are going to participate in it- after that, we intend to commence preparation for the World Cup early enough-though subject to NFF’s approval,”.
Chile 2025
Action at the FIFA U20 Cup resumes in Chile from 27 September to 19 October.
For the tournament, the top two teams from each of the six groups will advance to the Round of 16, and the four best third-placed teams.
Hosts Chile are in Group A with Egypt, Japan, and New Zealand, while six-time champions Argentina are in Group D with Australia, Cuba, and Italy.
- Group A: Chile, Egypt, Japan, New Zealand
- Group B: Korea Republic, Panama, Paraguay, Ukraine
- Group C: Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, Spain
- Group D: Argentina, Australia, Cuba, Italy
- Group E: France, New Caledonia, South Africa, USA
- Group F: Colombia, Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia.
Rancagua, Santiago, Talca, and Valparaiso. will host matches of the FIFA U20 World Cup.