Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has praised his players’ fighting spirit after Nigeria came from behind to earn a crucial 1-1 draw against Colombia, a result that booked their place in the round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The result capped an impressive turnaround for the Nigerian side, who faced a tough Colombian team known for their attacking flair. Speaking after the game, Zubairu commended his players for showing character under pressure. “We were determined not to lose. The boys gave everything, especially in the second half,” he said.
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Zubairu revealed that a tactical switch during halftime helped the team regain control. “We changed our approach — we pressed higher and forced them into mistakes. That gave us the penalty we needed to draw level,” he explained.
The coach also applauded his side’s discipline, noting that the players followed instructions and fought till the end. “We didn’t panic after conceding early. I told them to believe, to play our football, and to stay compact. Their response was fantastic.”
The draw means Nigeria advances to the knockout stage, and Zubairu believes his team is ready for any opponent. “We respect every team, but we don’t fear anyone. We’ve shown we can adapt and fight back. The next round will bring new challenges, but we’ll be ready,” he assured.
For the Flying Eagles, the comeback against Colombia was not just a qualification decider — it was a statement of intent. “This team has heart,” Zubairu concluded. “And when you have heart, anything is possible.”
