Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has signaled his intent to bring in Nigeria’s overseas-based talents to bolster the squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.
Following his recent success leading a largely homegrown squad to victory at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo, Zubairu is now keen on exploring additional options to strengthen the lineup.
The Flying Eagles clinched the WAFU B title last month with a tense 2-1 win over Ghana, which qualified them for the Africa U-20 tournament.
Speaking to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Ilorin, Zubairu emphasized his commitment to recruiting top players, including those competing in European leagues.
“We will not hinder their participation and are committed to selecting those with the necessary skills,” he confirmed.
Defensive reinforcements in focus for Nigeria U-20
Despite their title-winning performance, Zubairu expressed concerns about the team’s defensive weaknesses, with the squad conceding in every WAFU B match.
“I’m somewhat dissatisfied with our defence; we were conceding goals consistently. This vulnerability cannot be overlooked on a larger stage,” he stated.
Potential additions include 2023 Flying Eagles alumnus Benjamin Federick, currently with Brentford B, and Kalmar FF’s 18-year-old defender Vince Osuji.
David Ewemade, on loan at SV Stripfing from Austria Wien, is another option to shore up the backline.
Nigeria’s U-20 side remains the tournament’s most successful team with seven AFCON titles, though they have not lifted the trophy since 2015. Zubairu hopes that integrating foreign-based talent will enhance their chances of reclaiming continental dominance.
