Maikaba Replaces Zubairu As Nigeria U-20 Head Coach

Maikaba Replaces Zubairu As Nigeria U-20 Head Coach

By BSN Sports 

Experienced Nigerian tactician Abdul Maikaba has been appointed head coach of the country’s U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to ScoreNigeria, Maikaba is set to replace Aliyu Zubairu, who guided the team to the second round of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile last year. Zubairu, appointed in September 2024, oversaw a period of resurgence for the team, leading them to victory at the WAFU B U-20 Championship and securing qualification for both the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Under his leadership, the Flying Eagles defeated Ghana 2–1 in the WAFU B final in Togo, while also earning a reputation for tactical discipline and structural organization—qualities that defined his tenure.

Maikaba, a former assistant coach of the Flying Eagles, brings extensive experience from both domestic and international football. The Kano-born coach, who holds a background in physics and advanced CAF coaching certifications, has managed several top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs, including Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers, Akwa United and Plateau United.

One of his standout achievements came with Akwa United, where he led the club to victory in the Aiteo Cup, underlining his ability to build competitive, trophy-winning sides.

At the continental level, Maikaba served as assistant coach to Okey Emordi during a CAF Champions League campaign that reached the semi-finals. He has also held roles with Nigeria’s U-17 and U-20 national teams, including participation in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

His appointment signals a new phase for the Flying Eagles, with expectations that his tactical acumen and experience will sustain the team’s recent progress and further strengthen Nigeria’s youth football development pipeline.