Former Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has embarked on a fresh chapter in his managerial career after being appointed head coach of Sudanese Premier League side Al Ahli Madani on a two-year contract.
The experienced Nigerian tactician takes over from veteran coach Farouk Jabra, whose contract expired at the end of last season, with the club hoping Zubairu’s wealth of experience and impressive track record can inspire a new era of success.
Zubairu arrives in Sudan only days after parting ways with Egyptian second-tier side Telecom SC by mutual consent. His brief spell in Egypt came to an amicable end, paving the way for the 62-year-old to accept a new challenge with one of Sudan’s established football clubs.
The appointment marks another significant milestone in Zubairu’s coaching journey, which has seen him build a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians.
He first attracted nationwide acclaim during his time with El-Kanemi Warriors, where he masterminded a remarkable 2023/24 campaign. Under his guidance, the Maiduguri-based club not only secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) but also captured the 2024 President Federation Cup, one of the most prestigious domestic trophies in Nigerian football.
Those achievements earned him the opportunity to lead Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles.
During his tenure with the seven-time African champions, Zubairu enjoyed considerable success. He guided the Flying Eagles to the WAFU B U-20 Championship title before leading the side to a commendable third-place finish at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. His performances further strengthened his reputation for nurturing young talent and building competitive teams.
Al Ahli Madani will now be hoping the seasoned coach can replicate those accomplishments in Sudan, where expectations will be high ahead of the new campaign.
With his tactical discipline, emphasis on player development and proven ability to deliver silverware, Zubairu faces the task of restoring Al Ahli Madani to the summit of Sudanese football. His appointment also represents another landmark moment for Nigerian coaching, highlighting the growing demand for the country’s football managers across the African continent.
