Flying Eagles’ Coach Aliyu Zubairu Cherishes Relocation To Ikenne, End To Distractions In Abuja

Under-20 national team, Flying Eagles’ coach, Aliyu Zubairu is relishing the relocation of his squad’s camp to Ikenne, Ogun State, as it puts an end to distractions they faced in Abuja.

Sports247 reports that Zubairu was all excited after taking his wards through two training sessions at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Thursday, as they settled down fast at their new base.

The excited tactician was all smiles, as he took the squad through morning and evening sessions in the serene countryside arena and affirmed afterwards that they are ready to tackle any opponent.

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He added that his focus is now fully on their trip next week to Lome, Togo, where they will battle Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire in Group B of the West African Football Uninon (WAFU) Zone B qualifiers for the 2025 African U20 Nations Cup in South Africa.

Zubairu took another look at his journey so far and recounted, “It has not been easy. We spent about three weeks camping in Abuja to sort out the team and get ideas about the players.

“After that, we started building the team and installing tactics into the players.
“However, we did not have the best of time in Abuja due to distractions; as everybody wants their player to be in the team.”

The experienced gaffer then spoke about the technical progress he has been able to make since taking over the squad, and assured that they are ready to tango Burkina Faso in their first match next week Friday at Municipal Stadium in Lome.

“After some time in Abuja, we were able to sort out our list of 25 players. Now we are in Ikenne and in the final phase of our preparation.In the next few days, we shall be fully ready for the competition proper.

“In actual fact, the team is ready to play, but it’s just for us to put some finishing touches in place,” Zubairu expatiated.

He concluded by unfolding his plans for the last stage of the Flying Eagles preparations before they storm Lome to defend their WAFU B title and equally pick one of four tickets available to next year’s U20 AFCON.

“We want to get one or two grade-A matches here before we move to Lome, where we hope to get a couple of international friendly matches as well,” Zubairu projected.

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