Ex-Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu Sudan ‘s Al Ahli Madani coach

Former Nigeria U-20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu has taken over as the new head coach of Sudanese club Al Ahli Madani, marking another major step in his coaching career.

Zubairu, who recently left Egyptian second-tier side Telecom SC, was appointed on a two-year contract by the Sudanese club. He replaces veteran Sudanese coach Farouk Jabra, whose contract expired at the end of last season.

The appointment comes with a major continental assignment, as Al Ahli Madani are set to represent Sudan in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup. Blueprint reports

New challenge in Sudan

Zubairu arrives at Al Ahli Madani with considerable experience in Nigerian and African football, having built a reputation for developing competitive teams and achieving results with limited resources.

The 62-year-old tactician had spent the previous season in Egypt with Telecom SC, where he guided the club to the semi-finals of the Egyptian Cup before the two parties mutually agreed to end their relationship.

His move to Sudan was subsequently confirmed in July, with Zubairu describing the Al Ahli Madani job as another important challenge in his managerial career.

He will now be expected to combine domestic success with a strong showing in continental competition as the club prepares for its CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Zubairu’s rise in Nigerian football

Before moving abroad, Zubairu enjoyed an impressive spell with El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.

He guided the club to the 2024 President Federation Cup title, a success that also helped secure their promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

His achievements with El-Kanemi Warriors earned him the opportunity to take charge of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, where he further enhanced his reputation.

Zubairu led Nigeria’s U-20 side to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt and subsequently managed the team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

His work with the Flying Eagles made him one of the prominent Nigerian coaches to attract attention beyond the country’s borders.

Continental football beckons

His next assignment with Al Ahli Madani will provide another opportunity to test his managerial abilities on the African stage.

The Sudanese club will participate in the CAF Confederation Cup, Africa’s second-tier club competition, meaning Zubairu will have to prepare his squad for both domestic and continental demands.

Al Ahli Madani, based in Wad Medani, are one of Sudan’s established clubs and play in the Sudan Premier League.

The club will be hoping that the Nigerian coach’s experience can help them make a strong impression in continental football while also improving their position domestically.

For Zubairu, the move represents another opportunity to demonstrate that Nigerian coaches can successfully build careers beyond the country’s borders.

His recent progression from El-Kanemi Warriors to the Flying Eagles, then Telecom SC in Egypt and now Al Ahli Madani in Sudan, has given him experience across different levels of African football.

The Nigerian tactician will now turn his attention to assembling a competitive side and ensuring the club is properly prepared for what promises to be a demanding season.

With the CAF Confederation Cup providing an immediate continental target, Zubairu’s appointment could prove significant for both the coach and Al Ahli Madani as they seek success in the new campaign.