Zubairu Plans Line Up Change After Nigeria’s Loss to South Africa

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has announced plans for a significant squad overhaul following Nigeria’s 2-0 loss to South Africa in a preparatory match ahead of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The defeat has prompted Zubairu to reconsider his roster as the team gears up for the tournament, scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18.

The friendly against South Africa served as a critical assessment for Zubairu, who experimented with various tactical formations to evaluate both individual player performances and overall team cohesion.

Despite the disappointing result, the coach emphasized the value of the match in identifying weaknesses and fine-tuning strategies ahead of the AFCON.

“The result was not what we wanted, but it gave us a clearer picture of where we need to improve. These friendlies are essential for building a competitive squad,” Zubairu said in a post-match interview.

To strengthen the team, Zubairu plans to integrate foreign-based players, including those currently playing in European leagues.

This move aims to enhance the squad’s quality and depth, providing a better balance of experience and youthful energy.

Zubairu has already begun reaching out to players who can bring fresh skills and international exposure to the squad.

“We have some talented players abroad who can make a significant impact. We will be inviting them to join our camp soon,” he added.

Zubairu stressed that his final squad would be chosen purely on merit, ensuring that only players demonstrating the required skills, discipline, and performance levels make the cut.

This approach aims to foster healthy competition within the squad, driving players to raise their game ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria faces a daunting task in the 2025 AFCON, having been drawn into a tough group alongside Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa—nations known for their strong footballing traditions. Despite this, Zubairu remains optimistic, seeing the challenging group as an opportunity to test the team’s mettle and prepare them for the high-pressure environment of the competition.

With less than a year until the tournament, the Flying Eagles are set to resume training after a brief break. The coaching staff plans to arrange additional friendly matches, particularly against North African teams, to fine-tune strategies and build team cohesion.

These preparations are crucial as Nigeria aims to secure a spot in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.