Two-time runners-up Nigeria have again booked their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup finals after edging out Cup holders Senegal from the CAF U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt on Monday. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has praised the mental strength and tactical discipline of his boys, a key factor for them achieving their goals and target.
Reflecting on the win and qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in Chile, Coach Aliyu Zubairu said: “We knew what was at stake — World Cup qualification and a step closer to the title. We stayed calm, followed our plan, and now we’re back where we belong, on the world stage.”
The boys have shown maturity in every every game, tactically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them.”
“ We trained really hard for this moment. Every possible scenario was prepared for — including penalties. The boys stuck to the plan and executed it when it mattered the most. That’s what champions do, This is indeed a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet. We came here with a mission, to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One is now achieved, focus is to keep pushing for the other.”
A battling encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia finished scoreless even after extra time, and the encounter had to be settled after penalty shootout in Egypt’s third city.
Zubairu, led the team through an unbeaten group stage, commended the focus and unity in his squad, adding that the journey is far from over, This glorious win will not only keep Nigeria’s AFCON title hopes alive but also marks a return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first since 2019 — reaffirming the country’s pedigree in youth football.
Nigeria will now shift focus to preparing for their semifinal showdown as they await their next opponent to be confirmed and also continue their quest for a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title.
