Newly appointed Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba has declared that work must begin immediately as Nigeria’s U-20 national team intensifies preparations for the upcoming WAFU B U-20 Championship.
A total of 35 players resumed camp in Abuja following the Nigeria Football Federation’s appointment of the experienced tactician to lead the seven-time African champions into a new era.
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Maikaba, who officially replaced Aliyu Zubairu, said he fully understands the enormous responsibility attached to managing one of Nigeria’s most celebrated youth national teams and is determined to build a winning culture capable of making Nigerians proud once again.
“I am deeply honored for this role as Head Coach of the Nigeria U-20 Flying Eagles,” Maikaba said.
“To lead this team is a massive responsibility and a privilege I do not take lightly. Nigeria’s football history is built on passion, grit, and talent, and we are ready to write the next chapter.”
The former Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars FC, Plateau United FC and Rangers International F.C. coach admitted that major challenges lie ahead but stressed that the technical crew is fully committed to overcoming them through hard work and proper player development.
“The challenges before us are great, but our determination is greater. The work starts immediately — nurturing Nigeria’s finest young talents and creating a winning culture, making millions of Nigerians proud on the global stage,” he added.
The Flying Eagles’ provisional squad is made up of three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders, and 11 forwards.
The camp also features a blend of home-based and foreign-based talents, with 28 players drawn from domestic clubs and seven plying their trade abroad.
Maikaba has also assembled his backroom staff ahead of the regional qualifiers, with Ortega Deniran named first assistant coach, Abdullahi Biffo serving as second assistant, while Usman Mohammed takes charge of the goalkeepers.
Nigeria will compete at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire later in July, with the tournament serving as the qualification pathway for the next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Flying Eagles remain one of Africa’s most successful youth teams and will be aiming to improve on their proud legacy under Maikaba’s leadership.
Invited 35 Players
Goalkeepers: Clinton Lawani (Sporting Lagos); Abubakar Rufai (NK-Istra 1961(Croatia); Uchechukwu Aloysius (Akwa United)
Defenders: Ayinla Olayomi (Warri Wolves); Abubakar Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Favour Nkwocha (Morak FC); Wahab Bolanle Musa (FC Malaga, Spain); Bonaventure Chiemela (Inter Lagos); Gamagira Umar Suleman (Ranchers Bees); Mathias Azi Yakubu (GBS); Mutari Momoh (NK-Istra 1961, Croatia); Abdulaziz Musa Ndaman (Mavlon FC); Godwin Samuel (Ikon Allah FC)
Midfielders: Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos); Oraro Apine (Warri Wolves); Sale Abdulrashid (Kryubar FC, Ukraine); Sa’ad Tijjani (Barau FC); Imran Ahmad (Kano Pillars); Peres Jerem (P Sports); Ayeni Samson (Stormers FC); Habila Simeon Sulai (GBS); Simon Karshe Cletus (FC Rijeka, Croatia); Auwalu Mohammed (Bichi First FC); Ibrahim Yakubu (Turbo Touch)
Forwards: Abba Dalli (Katsina United); Prince Columbus (Forster Academy); Goodluck Angel (P Sports); Imrana Mohammed (FC Alaves, Spain); Adamu Hussaini (Barau FC); Seun Akanji (Sporting Lagos); Shamsudeen Adamu Abdullahi (Capital City FC); Alex Leme (Sporting Lagos); Ezekiel Oguchukwu (Mavlon FC); Mus’ab Suleiman (Footwork FC); Peter Pam Davou (Vitkovice, Czech Republic)
