Izuchukwu OkosiEl Kanemi Warriors and Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu on Tuesday evening announced his desire not to renew his contract and continue as head coach of the Nigeria Football Premier League (NPFL).
Zubairu led the team to Federation Cup triumph last season albeit they could not replicate same feat this ended season.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe coach who doubles as the Flying Eagles head coach will lead the team to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup this September and October.
The farewell message from the coach to the ardent fans read thus.
“Dear Elkanemi Warriors family, the letter began.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the management, staff, players, and fans for their unwavering support over the past two years. My time with the club has been filled with incredible memories and milestones that have further cemented the team’s reputation in Nigerian football history.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to renew my contract, which expires at the end of my two-year contract.”
This sees the coach not take on dual job of national team job and the El Kanemi post.
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“This decision stems from my confidence that I’ve made a meaningful contribution to the club’s growth and development. And in my habitual self, it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my career.
“From representing this club as a player to promoting it to the elite league as a coach, winning the President Federation Cup (FA Cup), and sustaining its status in the NPFL, it’s truly been an honor to represent this esteemed badge of Borno State.
“I’ve worked alongside a supportive management, hardworking technical crew, and talented players whose contributions led to our remarkable successes. I’d also like to appreciate our wonderful fans – your support reaffirmed my belief in the importance of fans.
“I’m eternally grateful to His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, for his unwavering support. I also thank the Borno State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Saina Buba, and Chairman of Borno State Football Association, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, for their invaluable support.
“While I’m leaving this club, I don’t see this exit as an end to our relationship but as a new chapter in my journey. Borno will always remain a home to me and dear to my heart.
“Thank you again for the opportunity to be part of this amazing team. Mugode Sosai
Sincerely,
Coach Aliyu Zubairu
Head Coach, Flying Eagles of Nigeria
10th June, 2025.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
