The Elite Forum extends heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, on their outstanding performance at the recently concluded U-20 African Cup of Nations Sub-Regional Championship in Lomé, Togo. Under the leadership of Coaches Aliyu Zubair and Lukman Ijaiya, the team showcased remarkable skill and dedication, a testament to the coaches’ deep commitment to Nigerian football.

The Forum highlights the career milestones of Coach Aliyu Zubair, whose strategic foresight in choosing Coach Lukman Ijaiya as his assistant reflects his leadership acumen and team-building expertise. Ijaiya, a distinguished former player for Kwara United, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, and Julius Berger of Lagos, brings a wealth of experience to the coaching realm. His longstanding affiliation with Kwara United, where he both played and later served as caretaker coach, exemplifies his loyalty and commitment to the game.

This success also underscores a progressive move by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau. By allowing the Head Coach to select his own assistants, the NFF promotes a harmonious coaching environment—departing from previous practices that sometimes led to discord in team management. This shift aligns with the old adages of “iron sharpening iron” and “chickens coming home to roost,” as both Zubair and Ijaiya bring a shared foundation from Kwara United.

During his tenure as caretaker coach, Ijaiya guided Kwara United to secure a fourth-place finish in the 2021/2022 season, earning the team a coveted continental spot. The Elite Forum praises Kwara United FC and the Kwara State Government for nurturing these two influential figures, who now represent Nigeria on the international football stage.

The Forum wishes Coaches Zubair, Ijaiya, and the entire Flying Eagles team continued success in the upcoming African Nations and U-20 World Cup tournaments next year.

Signed: Mutiu Funsho Aremu
Publicity Secretary, Elite Forum