It’s really heartwarming to see the Confederation of African Football (CAF) spotlighting Head Coach of Flying Eagles of Nigeria, Coach Aliyu Zubairu among the top five coaches after the group stage games at the just concluded U20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
According to CAF, the top five Coaches, amomg which Zubairu was mentioned embody the future of African football and their tactical acumen, leadership and strategic decisions have shaped their teams’ performances and inspired a new wave of youth development.
This recognition is a testament to Aliyu Zubairu’s towering football legacy and also further confirmed him as one of the revelations of the Nigeria’s modern football coaching.
Within the last 12 months, Coach Aliyu Zubairu has achieved remarkable successes across all fronts, both at the club level and National level.
From promoting the Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri to the NPFL from the second division, NNL to leading the team to win the President Federation Cup (FA Cup) which they last won in 1992 and eventually leading them to the Confederation Cup, Aliyu has emerged as a point of good reference and reckoning in the annals of football history in the country.
As daunting as it appeared, he was called upon to take charge of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria in September last year with a mandate to secure an AFCON ticket-just a month to the WAFU-B championship in Togo. Within a short period of time, Aliyu got to work and assembled young and talented footballers to execute his mission.
Remarkably, he didn’t only secure the AFCON ticket, but also led Nigeria to retaining the WAFU-B championship, thus helping the country maintain its status as the ‘big brother’ in the West African region.
Fast forward to AFCON, Aliyu’s immediate target was to secure the FIFA U-20 World Cup ticket, but for someone who likes to take up challenges, he would eventually set his sights on the AFCON trophy. Although, he couldn’t win the tournament, but the gaffer was able to lead his team clinch a world cup ticket and also won the bronze medal- helping the country leave the tournament with its head high.
The Kwara-born Coach has not only emerged as one of the brightest of his peers, but has also become a role model for football coaches in Nigeria, inspiring excellence with his enduring work ethics and a strong advocate for youth football development.
From an humble beginning in Ilorin,Kwara State, Coach Aliyu Zubairu is creating an endearing and enduring football legacy, all speaking to the volume of his personal development, commitment and dedication. Aliyu is not just creating history, but he’s also lightening up a path of greatness for the upcoming generation.
