Head Coach of the Flying Eagles Aliyu Zubairu has officially stepped down from his role at El- Kanemi Warriors FC, concluding a challenging yet successful two-year tenure with the club.
The 45-year-old coach, who is in the process of preparing Nigeria’s U-20 national squad for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, shared his resignation in an emotional note to El- Kanemi on June 10, 2025.
In his goodbye message, Zubairu conveyed his sincere appreciation to the club’s management, players, staff, and loyal fan base for their steadfast support throughout his time with them.
He also offered a unique acknowledgment to Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and other significant figures in the state for their ongoing encouragement, referring to Borno State as “home.”
He played a key role in the club’s reinstatement to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2024 and directed them to a remarkable FA Cup victory, overcoming Abia Warriors with a score of 2-0 in the final held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
This win marked the club’s third FA Cup title and their first in over 30 years.
After achieving these milestones, Zubairu’s reputation soared. In mid-2024, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed him as the head coach for the national U-20 team.
Even while managing dual roles, he successfully helped El- Kanemi avoid relegation, finishing just a point above the danger zone.
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The Warriors claimed vital victories against Remo Stars and Sunshine Stars in their last three matches, securing a 49-point tally from 38 games (with 12 wins, 13 draws, and 13 losses), finishing one point ahead of relegated Heartland FC, under the guidance of Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke.
However, Zubairu’s most significant successes have come on the global stage.
He led Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to triumph at the WAFU B U-20 Championship, earning qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
During the continental competition, Zub
