Coach Aliyu Zubairu of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles has vowed not to underrate any of their opponents as the team finalises preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, saying that his side will take matches “one game at a time” and focus first on advancing from a challenging Group F.
Nigeria have been drawn alongside Colombia, Norway and Saudi Arabia, and Zubairu underlined the need for concentration and respect for opponents as the first target is to get out of the group.
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“We will not underrate any of our group opponents,” Zubairu said, stressing that complacency has no place at the world level.
“The first target is to get by our group fixtures, taking one game at a time with no room for complacency,” he added, outlining a methodical approach to preparation that emphasises match-by-match planning rather than looking too far ahead.
Zubairu explained that the World Cup environment demands tactical discipline, mental resilience and the ability to adapt swiftly to different styles of play.
“Colombia will test our physicality, Norway will present tactical discipline and Saudi Arabia can be very organised. We must be ready for varied challenges,” he said, indicating that scouting and targeted training sessions have been integral to their final preparation phase.
The coach also highlighted the importance of players taking ownership on the pitch. “Coaches can set strategies, but the players must implement them under pressure. We want players who can make smart decisions and convert chances when they come,” Zubairu said, echoing broader calls for accountability within the squad.
In his remarks, Zubairu emphasised unity within the technical crew and the playing group, believing that cohesion will be a decisive factor in tight matches. “We will manage fitness, rotations and set-piece work carefully. Small details often determine who progresses,” he said, indicating a balanced approach between tactical nuance and physical readiness.
As the Flying Eagles enter the tournament weekend, Zubairu’s cautious but assertive statements aim to steady expectations and underscore a pragmatic plan: respect opponents, focus on fundamentals, and secure the results needed to move beyond the group stage.
