For Coach Aliyu Zubair, the journey to the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship has been a test of faith, resilience, and trust.
Tasked with leading the Flying Eagles of Nigeria through this prestigious West African tournament, he faced a daunting challenge from the start. Yet, for Zubair, it was the belief his players had in themselves—and in him—that powered them to victory.
“We must give it to the boys,” Coach Aliyu said after their thrilling 3-1 semifinal win over Niger Republic’s Junior Mena. “It is not easy at all, but for them to believe in themselves and believe in me with the fighting spirit, we’re able to get it done.”
His words reflect the grit and unity that have characterized the Flying Eagles’ campaign. After a shaky start to the tournament, with a 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso in their first game, doubts were raised.
But Aliyu’s message to the team was clear: setbacks would not define them. With that mindset, they turned things around, delivering a comeback 2-1 win in their second match, which secured a spot in the semifinals.
This “never-say-die” spirit saw them do the same against Niger Republic on Sunday night, coming from behind once again to reach the final.
For Aliyu, coaching the Flying Eagles is more than just a mandate—it’s a passion. Known for his success with club sides like Gombe United and Elkanemi Warriors, Aliyu has built a career on lifting teams from humble beginnings to national prominence.
His track record of taking teams to the highest levels of Nigerian football was, perhaps, why he was trusted to lead this young squad to new heights.
Now, he is just one match away from fulfilling a promise to himself and his team: reclaiming the WAFU-B title for Nigeria. As they prepare to face Ghana in the final, his focus remains not just on winning but on building a legacy of pride and perseverance that will carry the Flying Eagles into the AFCON and beyond.
“It’s about heart,” Aliyu reflects. “If you have that, you’re never truly out of the game.”
