Aliyu Zubairu has officially stepped down as head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side El-Kanemi Warriors.

Zubairu, who spent two years with the Maiduguri-based club, led them to significant achievements, including promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in his debut season and a triumphant run to win the President Federation Cup last year.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to renew my contract, which expires at the end of my two-year tenure,” he announced.

“This decision stems from my confidence that I’ve made a meaningful contribution to the club’s growth and development.”

With his departure, Zubairu will now turn full attention to his role with the Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U-20 national team, who recently finished third at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. They are preparing for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.