Flying Eagles manager Aliyu Zubairu has revealed the reason behind Nigeria U20’s 2-0 defeat to Cote D’Ivoire in their second friendly at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
This loss came just two days after they triumphed 2-0 over the same opponents in the first friendly match, thanks to goals from Daniel Bamayi and Divine Olise.
Speaking to the team’s media team, Flying Eagles manager Aliyu Zubairu explained that the loss was a result of tactical adjustments and personnel changes.
He revealed that the technical crew made deliberate decisions to assess different players and tactical approaches in preparation for the upcoming CAF U20 AFCON tournament.
“We have prepared. We really want to access most of the players. Our tactical approach to matches that we are trying to put in place that we’re trying to adapt during the AFCON,” Zubairu stated.
“The first match we use the Plan A and it worked. And we decided that should in case the opponent come with a superior tactics, maybe when they neutralize our own tactics, let’s go for the Plan B.”
“I think that’s what transpired this (on Friday) evening and eventually we lost the match. So changes one or two players were given the opportunity to play,” he said.
Despite the setback, Zubairu reassured Nigerians that the technical crew remains confident in their ability to build a competitive squad for the upcoming tournament.
“Like I have said this is just the second phase of our preparation. Once wee get to Nigeria, we will go on a break. When we converge then some foreign players and players that we have invited from the league will also join us.”
Nigeria’s group in the CAF U20 AFCON is a challenging one, as they will face Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt.
Despite the tough draw, Zubairu remained optimistic, stressing that the team is still on track and committed to securing one of the four World Cup spots available at the tournament.
“So by then we will start putting the team together to see how we can come out with a formidable team. But all the same, we’re on course,” Zubairu concluded.
