Egyptian Side Telecom SC Appoint Nigeria’s Aliyu Zubairu as Head Coach — A Step Toward African Football Integration

Egyptian Premier League club Telecom SC have officially confirmed the appointment of Aliyu Zubairu as their new head coach, marking another proud moment for Nigerian football on the continental stage.

Zubairu, 61, brings a wealth of experience and tactical depth to the Egyptian side. He previously managed Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, guiding them to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations before leading them to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

His rise to prominence began with a memorable stint at El-Kanemi Warriors, where he guided the club to victory in the 2024 President Federation Cup, a success that earned him national recognition and eventually international attention.

At Telecom SC, Zubairu will be assisted by fellow Nigerian Lukman Ijaya, a move that highlights the club’s growing interest in African coaching talent.

💭 Opinion: A Win for Nigerian Coaching — and African Football Unity

Aliyu Zubairu’s appointment is more than just a coaching transfer — it’s a statement about the growing credibility of Nigerian and African coaches on the global stage. For too long, African clubs, especially in North Africa, have leaned heavily toward European or South American tacticians. But with this move, Telecom SC is showing faith in homegrown African expertise — and it’s a refreshing development.

Zubairu has proven himself to be more than a local success story. His leadership with the Flying Eagles showed his ability to build discipline, foster teamwork, and nurture young talent — all qualities Egyptian football thrives on. His tactical flexibility, often blending possession play with swift counter-attacks, could fit well with Telecom SC’s fast-paced attacking philosophy.

Beyond football tactics, this appointment sends a deeper message — that African coaches can lead beyond their borders, and that intercontinental collaboration can only strengthen the continent’s football ecosystem.

If Zubairu succeeds in Egypt, he won’t just be lifting Telecom SC — he’ll be paving the way for more Nigerian and Sub-Saharan coaches to be trusted with major African clubs.

For now, his journey with Telecom SC is one to watch closely — not just for Egyptian fans, but for anyone who believes in the power of African talent leading African football forward.