NPFL: We build structure, not players in El Kanemi – Coach 

Coach Aliyu Zubair, Head Coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and El-Kanemi Warriors, has credited the success of the El-Kanemi Warriors’ current unbeaten streak in the NPFL season to their strong team structure rather than individual player development.

Zubair emphasised that his focus is on building a robust, disciplined team framework where both regular starters and bench players receive the same training intensity and tactical preparation.

El-Kanemi FC has 15 points and maintains 4th position on the NPFL league table.

This, he believed, is the key to the El-Kanemi Warriors being the only unbeaten team after 10 games this season, despite his recent absence due to WAFU B national duties.

Speaking at the Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday, he noted that the team’s philosophy centres around training and discipline for all players, ensuring readiness across the squad, regardless of starting status.

“We don’t build players; we build structure,” Zubair stated, highlighting that such consistency has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s performance.

Zubair further discussed the ideal age for developing coachable players, emphasising the potential of young players aged between 15 and 22 years.

He praised Kwara United as a prime example of a club investing in youth and urged fans to be patient with the team, as young players represent the future of the club and the league.

Zubair, however, expressed gratitude to his mentors—Kadir Ikhana, Abdul Maikaba, John Obuh, and Tunde Sanni—whose guidance has shaped his coaching philosophy and approach, contributing to his career success.

El Kanemi Warriors, the only unbeaten side in the NPFL, maintained their impressive start to the season with another win over Katsina United this weekend.

Ibrahim Mustapha’s 69th-minute strike made the difference as the Warriors moved to fourth on the log while also preserving their unbeaten streak.