Responding to reports of veteran players dominating the NPFL, Zubair, who recently guided El-Kanemi back to the top-flight division, made a case for empowering younger athletes.

“The reality is that Europeans believe in young players, and we should adopt the same approach,” Zubair said. “If players like Messi and Neymar can break through at a young age, why can’t our own players do the same?”

“Age doesn’t play football; understanding the game does,” he stated.

Zubair has had a successful tenure with El-Kanemi Warriors, leading them to promotion back to the NPFL and securing their first FA Cup title in 32 years, all within just eleven months.

His team defeated Abia Warriors 2-0 in the Abia Warriors in the final of Federation Cup Lagos on Saturday.