Former Nigeria U20 Coach Zubairu lands two-year Sudan deal

Aliyu Zubairu has been appointed as the new head coach of Sudanese football club Al Ahli Madani on a two year contract, marking another significant step in the Nigerian tactician’s coaching career.

The experienced coach joins the Sudanese side shortly after leaving Egyptian second division club Telecom SC, where his contract was terminated by mutual agreement earlier this week. His appointment comes as Al Ahli Madani seek to strengthen their technical crew ahead of the new season.

Zubairu takes over from veteran Sudanese coach Farouk Jabra, whose contract with the club expired at the end of the last campaign. Club officials expressed confidence that the Nigerian coach possesses the experience and leadership qualities needed to guide the team to greater success in domestic and continental competitions.

The 62 year old coach has built a strong reputation across African football, particularly in Nigeria, where he achieved notable success with El Kanemi Warriors. During the 2024 season, he led the Maiduguri based club to a historic triumph in the President Federation Cup, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious football competitions.

Under his guidance, El Kanemi Warriors also secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), completing a remarkable campaign that earned widespread praise from football stakeholders and supporters.

His achievements at club level paved the way for his appointment as head coach of Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles. Zubairu quickly made an impact with the young side, leading them to victory at the WAFU B U20 Championship and helping develop several promising talents for the future.

He further enhanced his reputation at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, where the Flying Eagles finished in third place after a series of impressive performances. The tournament result earned Nigeria a podium finish and highlighted Zubairu’s ability to compete at the highest levels of youth football on the continent.

His move to Al Ahli Madani is expected to bring valuable experience and tactical expertise to the Sudanese club. Supporters will be hoping the Nigerian coach can replicate the success he enjoyed in Nigeria and help the team challenge for major honours in the coming seasons.

With a proven track record of developing young players, winning trophies and guiding teams to promotion, Zubairu faces a fresh challenge in Sudan as he begins a new chapter in his coaching journey.

The appointment also adds to the growing number of Nigerian coaches making their mark across African football.