Aliyu Zubairu has been named head coach of Sudanese club Al Ahli Madani, signing a two-year contract with the side as they prepare for CAF Confederation Cup competition.

The 62-year-old steps into the role vacated by Sudanese coach Farouk Jabra, whose contract with Al Ahli Madani expired without renewal.

Zubairu arrives with strong recent form, having guided Egyptian second division side Telecom SC to the semi-finals of the Egyptian Cup last season before his move to Sudan.

A coach with continental ambitions

Speaking after the announcement, Zubairu made clear he is eager to embrace the challenge ahead.

"Al Ahli Madani is another huge challenge for me. It is a great club with rich history and high ambitions. I am looking forward to working with the players, the management and the fans to achieve our objectives, especially as the team prepare to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup,"

His appointment comes on the back of a decorated recent career in Nigerian football. Zubairu was instrumental in El-Kanemi Warriors' President Federation Cup triumph in 2024, also steering the club to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

He further enhanced his reputation by leading the Flying Eagles — Nigeria's U-20 national team — to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, and he managed the squad at the U-20 World Cup.

Al Ahli Madani are set to feature in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, giving Zubairu an immediate opportunity to make his mark on the continental stage.