Following Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Cote d’Ivoire, Coach Zubairu Yusuf declared that only the best players will be selected for the U20 national team as they prepare for the 2025 U20 AFCON, which also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup. He plans to assess returning players and integrate foreign-based talents. The approach for upcoming matches will include varied tactics to optimize performance.
Coach Zubairu Yusuf outlined his strategy for selecting the Nigeria U20 national team following their recent victory over Cote d’Ivoire in a friendly match. He emphasized that only the best players will make the final cut as the team intensifies its preparations for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also serve as a qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with the team’s media officer after the 2-0 win against the Junior Elephants, Coach Zubairu emphasized the importance of assessing player performance to establish a balanced team. He stated, “My reaction to today’s game wouldn’t be that important as it is at this level,” underscoring that the friendly match aimed to gauge the readiness of both returning and new players.
The coach expressed his anticipation for the inclusion of eligible players who have pursued careers abroad, indicating a larger pool of talent for future selections. “We are expecting a reasonable number of them that will join us as soon as we go back to Nigeria,” he noted, while also mentioning that the team would take a break before regrouping with the new players.
Regarding the upcoming second leg match, Coach Zubairu affirmed that the team would approach the game with a serious mindset. He stated, “We are going to go for another tactics to see so that we can have a plan A and B,” indicating a strategic approach to ensure the team is well-prepared for various scenarios during competition.
In conclusion, Coach Zubairu Yusuf is focused on developing a competitive Nigeria U20 national team ahead of critical upcoming tournaments. He is committed to selecting only the best players, considering both local and foreign talent, while strategically planning for future matches to enhance the team’s performance. The emphasis on rigorous assessment and adaptability reflects his dedication to achieving success for the squad.
Original Source: www.sports247.ng
