Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets Begin Rebuilding Process Ahead of WAFU B Championships

Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets Begin Rebuilding Process Ahead of WAFU B Championships

By Niyi Busari 

Maikaba, Uwejamomere Appoint Assistants as Youth National Teams Prepare for WAFU B Championships

Newly-appointed Head Coach of Nigeria’s U20 men’s national team, Abdu Maikaba, has unveiled his technical crew ahead of the Flying Eagles’ camping programme scheduled to begin in Abuja on Sunday, May 17.

Maikaba named Ortega Deniran as first assistant coach, Abdullahi Biffo as second assistant coach, while Usman Mohammed will serve as goalkeepers’ trainer as preparations commence for the forthcoming WAFU B U20 Boys Championship in July.

The tournament will serve as the qualifying competition for next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, a tournament Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have won a record seven times.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the appointments on Thursday, with the team expected to begin intensive preparations immediately upon resuming camp.

Maikaba brings considerable experience to the role, having previously served as assistant coach of the Flying Eagles, who finished runners-up at two FIFA U20 World Cups. He has also managed several top-flight clubs in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed U17 Head Coach, Eboboritse Uwejamomere, has also announced his backroom staff for the Golden Eaglets.

Olumide Joseph Ajibolade has been appointed first assistant coach, Mohammed Kalli Kachala will serve as second assistant coach, while Abdullahi Isa takes charge as goalkeepers’ trainer.

The coaching crew has been tasked with rebuilding the Golden Eaglets and steering the team back to the FIFA U17 World Cup, while pursuing a record-extending sixth world title.

Nigeria’s U17 side will participate in the WAFU B U17 Boys Championship in September, which will also serve as the qualifying tournament for next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.