Flying Eagles’ coach Zubairu hails players’ character

By Tosin Omojola

Coach Aliyu Zubairu has praised the resilience of the Flying Eagles after they came from behind to beat Niger 3-1 and secure qualification for the 2025 U-20 AFCON.

The Nigeriens shocked the WAFU B defending champions with a ninth-minute goal, but the Flying Eagles rallied to clinch victory in style.

“I commend the boys; they showed real character to fight back and win the match. It was the same way they did against Côte d’Ivoire,” Zubairu applauded.

“We were disappointed after losing to Burkina Faso in our opening game, but we have since bounced back to top form.”

Zubairu added that the team is delighted to have qualified for the U-20 AFCON, as this was their primary goal.

On Wednesday night in Lomé, the Flying Eagles will face perennial rivals Ghana in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final, marking another Jollof Derby.

The Black Satellites of Ghana defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the first semifinal of the tournament.

The final will kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.