Flying Eagles coach Zubairu reacts to new U-20 AFCON draw

Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, Ladan Bosso Zubairu, has downplayed concerns over the newly released draw for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

The revised groupings became necessary following Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as tournament hosts. Nigeria was initially placed in a challenging group alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco. However, the new draw now sees the Flying Eagles grouped with Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya.

Reacting to the development, Coach Zubairu dismissed the notion of “easy” or “difficult” groups in modern African football.

“It’s high time we stop looking at some teams as bigger while others are considered smaller. There are no minor teams in African football anymore—it all depends on your level of preparation,” he said.

Zubairu emphasized the importance of readiness over worrying about opponents’ reputations, noting that every team at the tournament poses a challenge.

“When the first draw came out, we called it the ‘group of death’ because of Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco. Now with Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya, people are saying it’s another tough group. So which team exactly is easy to face?” he questioned.

He concluded by urging focus on preparation, stating, “The real question is, how well have we prepared? That’s what truly matters.”