Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu was pleased with the level of maturity shown by his boys during their 3-1 penalty shootout win over defending champions Senegal on Monday, Footynaija.com reports.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria and the Teranga Cubs of Senegal played out a 120 minutes goalless draw in their TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals clash in Ismaila to send the game to penalties.
Nigeria converted all their spot-kicks while goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt proved decisive as he twice denied the Teranga Cubs from six yards to send the Flying Eagles soaring into the semifinals and book their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
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What did Aliyu Zubairu say?
Speaking after the game, Zubairu, who revealed that the team had been prepared for every possible scenario, praised his side’s execution of the game plan as well as the maturity with which they handled the game.
“We trained for this moment. Every possible scenario was prepared for, including penalties. The boys stuck to the plan and executed it when it mattered the most. That’s what champions do,” Zubairu said as quoted by Sports247.
“This is a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet. We came here with a goal, to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One box is ticked, now we keep pushing.
“They’ve matured through every game — tactically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them.”
An eighth AFCON crown in the offing?
Going by Aliyu Zubairu’s words, it is quite clear that the Flying Eagles are aware the job is far from done at this stage of the competition.
Having secured their spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year, Zubairu’s charges will now turn their focus to securing a record-extending eighth AFCON U20 crown.
