FLYING Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has downplayed concerns about Morocco’s Europe-based contingent ahead of their next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations group stage clash, insisting Nigeria will approach the fixture with its own tactical plan, regardless of their opponents’ squad composition.
Nigeria began their campaign at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo with a narrow 1–0 win over Tunisia on Thursday, earned through a composed first-half finish by Auwal Ibrahim after a clever assist from Odinaka Okoro.
The victory places the seven-time African champions in a strong position ahead of Sunday’s second group match against Morocco, who boast a squad laden with talents from top European leagues and focus has quickly shifted there.
Nineteen of the 26 players in Morocco’s squad play for clubs in Europe, including prestigious sides like Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco, Marseille, Anderlecht, Montpellier, and Celta Vigo.
This European contingent also includes players from Spain (SD Huesca, Elche), France (OGC Nice, Amiens, Caen), the Netherlands (FC Twente, BVV Den Bosch), Belgium (Charleroi, SK Beveren), Portugal (FC Famalicão), Austria (Sturm Graz), and Italy (Venezia FC).
However, Zubairu remains unfazed, maintaining that his team would remain focused on executing their own game plan.
“We will handle every match accordingly. The match against Tunisia is gone, and our match plan against Morocco is for our own consumption, but we are going to work towards it,” the coach said.
When asked about Nigeria’s use of foreign-based players in contrast to Morocco’s squad depth, Zubairu said the team had adopted a careful integration process, especially during their month-long closed camping ahead of the tournament.
“We have five players from Europe, and I think that’s a reasonable number. Three of them were on the pitch today, and two of them were on the bench.
“It’s not that they’re underperforming, but sometimes they need to understudy the tactical approach of the team,” he explained. “They didn’t have the opportunity to be in preparation as it is, but they are doing well.”
Nigeria’s latest victory continues their strong historical record over Tunisia at U-20 level, marking their fourth win in six encounters since 1981. The Flying Eagles now shift their attention to Morocco’s Lion Cubs, who will test Zubairu’s side in what could be a decisive fixture in Cairo.
Zubairu credited the team’s mentality and focus on long-term objectives for the result.
“There is no secret other than the fact that we really meant to get the World Cup ticket, and the boys realised we had to get the first step right. That’s exactly what played out in today’s game,” he said.
The match against Morocco is scheduled to take place on Sunday (today) evening at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.