Flying Eagles coach Zubair speaks on team’s qualification for Round of 16
Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubair, has reacted to his team’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia on Monday, a result that sealed Nigeria’s passage into the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Speaking after the match, Zubair highlighted his side’s tactical discipline and mental resilience as the key factors behind their qualification.
According to him, the Flying Eagles went into the encounter fully aware of Colombia’s physical and technical strengths but adapted effectively in the second half to contain their opponents.
He said, “We know they’re a physically fit side and very good on the ball, so when we came back in the second half, we tried to deny all the passing lines and prevent them from receiving the ball,” Zubair explained. “That gave us a little edge in the second half. We made sure all the play remained in their final third, kept them at bay, and that’s what resulted in the penalty we got.”
The coach credited his players for maintaining focus and fighting spirit throughout the encounter, noting that securing qualification was the team’s only priority.
“We only wanted to qualify and get to the Round of 16. We are not selective about the opponent at all,” he said confidently. “It wasn’t an easy match, but the boys stood their ground, were very proactive, and fought until we got the draw, which is very important.”
With the crucial point earned, Nigeria progressed from the group stage to the knockout rounds, where Coach Zubair believes the Flying Eagles’ discipline and determination will continue to serve them well as they chase further success in Chile.
Nigeria will now face Argentina in the Round of 16 on October 8, as they seek to replicate their previous feat when they defeated the Argentines 2-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals.
