Flying Eagles Coach Explains Endurance Alade’s Omission from U20 AFCON Squad
Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has explained to Dutch-Nigerian defender Endurance Alade why he was not included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Alade, who was born on 29 March 2005 in Vlissingen, Netherlands, is eligible to play for both Nigeria and the Netherlands through his parents.
After choosing to represent Nigeria, he had hoped to be part of the team for the U20 AFCON in Egypt. However, coach Zubairu told him that his current trial period with a club was the reason he missed out on selection. The coach also wished him the best in his football career.
Alade is currently on trial at Dutch side FC Dordrecht – the same club where Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong played during the 2014–2015 season while on loan from Groningen.
Since last Thursday, the FC Dordrecht U21 coaches have been monitoring Alade closely. He will continue training with the team until 1 May 2025, when the club will decide whether to offer him a contract.
Alade is currently without a club, having left VV Spijkenisse after two years with the team.
The former MSV ’71 and Excelsior Maassluis youth player describes himself as a strong and skilful defender who enjoys one-on-one duels.
