Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has shrugged off concerns about Morocco’s Europe-based contingent ahead of Sunday’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations group stage clash, insisting that Nigeria will stick to their own tactical plan, regardless of the opposition’s squad composition.
Nigeria began their tournament campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisia at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, thanks to a composed first-half strike from Auwal Ibrahim after a clever assist from Odinaka Okoro.
The victory puts the seven-time African champions in a strong position ahead of their second group match against Morocco, who are packed with talent from top European leagues.
While Morocco’s squad boasts 19 players from European clubs, including top sides like Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco, and Marseille, Zubairu remains confident that his team’s approach will carry them through.
“We will handle every match accordingly. The match against Tunisia is gone, and our match plan against Morocco is for our own consumption, but we are going to work towards it,” Zubairu said.
Morocco’s depth of European-based players has raised eyebrows, but Zubairu is focused on his team’s progress, pointing out that Nigeria has also integrated their five foreign-based players carefully during their month-long closed camp ahead of the tournament.
“We have five players from Europe, and I think that’s a reasonable number,” Zubairu said. “It’s not that they’re underperforming, but sometimes they need to understudy the tactical approach of the team.”
The Flying Eagles’ opening win continues their strong U-20 record over Tunisia, marking their fourth victory in six encounters with the North Africans since 1981.
With the challenge of Morocco now ahead, Zubairu’s side will look to maintain their focus as they aim for another step toward securing a World Cup spot.
Zubairu credited the team’s mentality for their success, stressing their long-term goal of qualifying for the World Cup as their driving force.
“There is no secret other than the fact that we really meant to get the World Cup ticket, and the boys realised we had to get the first step right,” he added.
The match against Morocco will take place on Sunday by 7pm Nigerian time at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, with the Flying Eagles determined to take another crucial step toward their ultimate goal.
