Flying Eagles coach Zubair joins Egyptian side Telecom Egypt SC

Head coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubair, has been appointed as the new head coach of Egyptian second-division side Telecom Egypt SC.

Zubair, who recently led the Nigerian team to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, was unveiled by the Egyptian club on a two-year deal at their headquarters in Cairo.

The appointment is a testament to Zubair’s solid coaching credentials and impressive track record — from leading Kwara United’s youth team in his hometown of Ilorin to managing Nigeria’s U-20 national team.

He is reputed for promoting two different teams — Gombe United in 2021 and Elkanemi Warriors in 2024 — to the Nigerian top-flight league from the second division.

Zubair also notably led Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri to victory in Nigeria’s most prestigious and oldest football competition, the President Federation Cup, in 2024 — an achievement he had previously recorded as an assistant coach when Akwa United won the FA Cup in 2017.

At the national level, the Kwara-born gaffer has also etched his name in the history books by guiding the Flying Eagles to win the WAFU-B Championship in 2024 and qualifying the team for the FIFA U-20 World Cup after securing a bronze medal at the AFCON U-20 tournament.

Telecom Egypt, who are currently seeking promotion to the top-flight league, believe Zubair is the perfect choice for the head coach position — citing his strong work ethic, football philosophy, and experience in team building and management.

Aliyu, who is joined at his new club by his Flying Eagles assistant coach Lukman Ijaiya, will aim to replicate his past successes by steering Telecom Egypt to promotion.