Aliyu Zubair Optimistic as Nigeria U20 Face Ghana in WAFU B Showdown
While acknowledging that his squad had to undertake last-minute preparations for the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship, Aliyu Zubair, head coach of Nigeria’s U20 national team, is nevertheless confident in his side’s ability to play their archrivals Ghana in the tournament’s opening match.
On Thursday, July 10, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Flying Eagles and Black Satellites will square off in a much-anticipated Group A match. The kickoff time is set at 15:00 GMT.
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Coach Zubair said during the official pre-match press conference that the team’s build-up to the competition was subpar because they initially concentrated on FIFA U20 World Cup preparations.
“We’re ready, but it’s really not the competition we were originally preparing for,” Zubair said. “We reconvened just a week ago because we had initially planned to regroup ahead of the World Cup. But we had to quickly reorganize because of this tournament. However, we are ready.”
Despite the time constraints, Zubair remains confident in the experience and mentality of his squad. He underscored the special nature of Ghana-Nigeria football ties, describing the rivalry as a constant source of motivation.
“We know the history between Ghana and Nigeria, it’s always intense at every level,” he noted. “Even if it’s community football, anywhere in the world, it’s always attractive because of the clean and fierce rivalry.”
After winning the most recent WAFU U20 Championship in Togo, where they defeated Ghana in the championship match, Nigeria comes into the competition as the reigning champions. That rivalry will be reignited in the forthcoming match, as both sides aim to start well in a group that also includes Benin.
Since Group A only consists of three teams, every outcome will be important in deciding the semi-finalists. The encounter on Thursday is more than simply a group-stage game for Zubair and his Flying Eagles; it’s a chance to establish their supremacy and carry on their tradition in West African youth football.
