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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Zubairu bravely accepts the challenge of North Africans, South Africa

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May.

The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football.

In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness.

“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”

To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February

Related Topics:2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations

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Super Falcons Defender Chidimma Ogbuchi Signs 2 years Management Deal With TopPro

Super Falcons and Robo Queens defender Chidimma Ogbuchi has signed a 2-year deal with TopPro Sports Management Company.

While speaking during the sign-on event, the Chief Executive Officer of TopPro Management Company, Ms. Ojuolape Kosoko, welcome the hard-tackling defender to the stable of TopPro, who are renowned for their astuteness, professionalism and reputable global football networks, that has seen several players on his stable including Super Falcons Striker Folashade Ijamilusi, earning lucrative football deals across the globe.

Kosoko, in her address to Chidimma Ogbuchi and her team of minders led by Coach Emmanuel Osahon, advised the player to remain focused, disciplined and of course, passionate about the game, while adding that her company would give the player all the necessary supports for further growth and development.

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles up against Egypt, South Africa and Morocco

Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough customers Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire 26^th April – 18^th May.

The Flying Eagles pipped host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire in order to build confidence for a gritty tournament. Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.

Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is the group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Morocco.”

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the yet-to-emerge representative team of Central Africa zone, in a five-team group A.

Cup-holders Senegal head group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.

The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter finals.

GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania

GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco

GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone

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Over 4000 Accommodation for NDSF Athletes, Officials

Accommodation for athletes, officials, VIP guests, and organisers of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) is expected to boost economic activities in the host state, Akwa Ibom

NDSF organisers are projecting no fewer than 3000 bed spaces for athletes and coaches as well as over 2000 hotel accommodation for administrators, organisers, and very important guests. This number excludes the expected influx of local and international media, scouts, sports enthusiasts, and tourists.

Head, Special Duties, Onome Obruthe confirmed to NSDF Media channel that while collation of data on the exact number of various cadre of participants is ongoing, “We can at least confirm that athletes alone will account for close to 3000 from the nine Niger Delta States.

He said the festival has an international dimension as regulatory officials from international bodies would be part of the officiating officials in events such as athletics, wrestling, and weightlifting.

“We are working on accommodation for athletes, coaches, technical officials, administrators, organisers, and guests.

“This is approaching the size of a national sports festival and we are going in this direction to set the markers for sports development in line with the vision of the Federal Government to create a sports economy”, Obruthe further stated.

The maiden NDSF will be held in Akwa Ibom from April 1-8 and is open to the nine states that made up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta. Others are Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

The NDDC is the major sponsor of the festival, which seeks to spot and nurture sportsmen and women from the region to provide them platforms to express their innate talent through sports.