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Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu has hinted at making “one or two changes” to his starting XI as the Flying Eagles prepare for their crucial Group B showdown against Morocco in the ongoing CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
The Flying Eagles opened their campaign with a nervy 1-0 win over Tunisia, placing them second in the group behind Morocco, who saw off Kenya 3-2 in an action-packed contest.
Great start by the Flying Eagles pic.twitter.com/UurqgpHVqa
— The NFF (@thenff) May 1, 2025
With both teams targeting early qualification for the quarterfinals and a step closer to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, Zubairu is considering tactical adjustments.
“Possibly, there might be one or two changes in the lineup,” the coach said on the eve of Sunday’s encounter in Cairo.
While Nigeria secured all three points in their opener, the display was far from convincing. Zubairu acknowledged the shaky start but promised a more composed performance.
“Definitely, there is going to be much improvement in our game tomorrow considering the fact that the last match was the first match of the tournament, and tension of unforeseen will always be there.”
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has charged the Flying Eagles to defeat Morocco and go ahead to secure their place at the FIFA U20 WC Chile 2025.
— The NFF (@thenff) May 3, 2025
He made the charge when he visited the team at their Radisson Blu Hotel in Cairo on Saturday evening. pic.twitter.com/vp9dxxgd1I
On the team’s overall condition, the coach sounded upbeat. “The situation in camp is positive — considering the high spirit the boys are in. They are fully ready. We just came back from the last training before the match. We thank God, there’s no injury in the camp.”
Zubairu also urged Nigerians to stay behind the team: “Yes, we are still soliciting for prayers and support from Nigerians for all our games.”
Sunday’s encounter is the first meeting between Nigeria and Morocco at U20 AFCON level since their dramatic 2-2 draw in the 2005 semi-final, which Nigeria won 5-3 on penalties.
