Zubairu Hints at Line-Up Changes Ahead of Crunch Clash with Morocco

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has revealed that fans could see a slightly reshuffled starting XI when Nigeria faces Morocco tonight in a vital Group B encounter at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The seven-time champions began their campaign with a slim but hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisia on Thursday. But Zubairu, while praising the team’s efforts, hinted that a couple of changes might be necessary to bolster the squad’s performance against a technically strong Moroccan side.

“Possibly, there might be one or two changes in the lineup,” Zubairu said ahead of the 7pm (Nigeria time) kickoff.
“Definitely, there is going to be much improvement in our game considering the fact that the last match was the first match of the tournament and tension of the unforeseen will always be there.”

🧠 Tactical Tweaks or Strategic Surprise?

Zubairu’s comments suggest he’s not leaving anything to chance. The Flying Eagles might have clinched the win over Tunisia, but the match wasn’t without its nervous moments. A few tweaks in midfield or attack could help Nigeria assert more control and edge out a Moroccan team that also started strong, defeating Kenya 3-2.

💬 Opinion: Smart Rotation or Risky Move?

Altering a winning team is often a gamble, but in tournament football, it’s also a sign of smart squad management. Zubairu understands the stakes are high—not just to win the group but to avoid a tougher draw in the knockout stage. A refreshed lineup could offer a spark, while too many changes might disrupt the team’s flow.

With a U-20 World Cup ticket on the horizon, it’s a calculated risk the coach seems ready to take.

📣 Should Zubairu stick with the same XI or shake things up against Morocco?
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