Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubair says his side is fully focused on securing a FIFA U20 World Cup spot as they prepare to face defending champions Senegal in a high-stakes quarterfinal clash on Monday in Ismailia.
The match not only offers a path to the semi-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations but also serves as a direct qualifier for the World Cup in Chile later this year.
“We don’t want to pursue two things at the same time,” Zubair told CAFonline. “First things first, and that is getting the ticket to the World Cup. That’s where all our attention is.”
Despite finishing the group stage unbeaten, Nigeria’s performances have drawn criticism for inconsistency—most notably after a 2-2 draw against an already eliminated Kenya. Zubair, however, dismissed the doubts.
“People were underrating Kenya, thinking they are pushovers. But Kenya gave a good account of themselves,” he said. “We are meeting Senegal now, and we will face the match accordingly. I believe nothing is stopping us, by God’s grace.”
Senegal, the 2023 champions, had a mixed group campaign, drawing with the Central African Republic, losing to Ghana, and only securing qualification with a 2-0 victory over DR Congo.
Zubair acknowledges the challenge but remains confident in his team’s mission.
“We respect all opponents, including Senegal as defending champions. But Nigeria has been in that position before. This time, we are coming to be the ones to stop them and run our race into the semi-finals.”
With a record seven U20 AFCON titles, the Flying Eagles aim to move one step closer to an eighth crown and return to the global stage.
“We are very confident,” Zubair added. “We want to get to the semi-final—just to win the match.”
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