By Njoku Chijioke
Nigeria’s Under 20 national team coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has issued a firm warning to football agents and wealthy influencers, urging them to stay away from the Flying Eagles training camp in Katsina State.
With preparations in full swing for the 2025 TotalEnergies Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, the coach said his priority is building a focused and distraction-free squad.
“We do not want interference,” Zubairu said pointedly, stressing that agents and moneybags have no business within the team’s current setup.
To ensure total concentration, the coach has reportedly disconnected his regular phone lines, relying instead on a private number to avoid undue pressure and unsolicited calls.
Zubairu’s bold stance comes as the team settles into its camp in Katsina, a location endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation and fully sponsored by the Katsina State Government.
The camp offers a calm atmosphere, which the coach believes is ideal for serious work ahead of the continental competition.
The Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group B, where they will face Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco in what promises to be a highly competitive campaign.
“We are focused on one goal — winning. Any form of distraction will be counterproductive. Everyone must give us the space to prepare,” Zubairu stated.
As the team intensifies its build-up, fans will be hoping Zubairu’s no-nonsense approach delivers results on the pitch when the tournament kicks off on April twenty six in Côte d’Ivoire.
