Flying Eagles new boss Maikaba sends strong message to Nigerians as WAFU B mission begins

New Flying Eagles head coach Abdul Maikaba has spoken publicly for the first time since his appointment as the man charged with leading Nigeria’s U20 national team into a new era, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation officially confirmed Maikaba as the new coach of the Flying Eagles after the decision was approved by the NFF Executive Committee following recommendations from the Technical and Development Committee. He replaces Aliyu Zubairu and immediately steps into one of the most demanding jobs in Nigerian youth football.

Maikaba has spent years working across the Nigerian football landscape, building a reputation as one of the country’s most respected coaches in the domestic game. The experienced tactician's career has combined academics and football management, with the former university lecturer previously handling some of the biggest clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The 59-year-old has managed clubs including Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars, Plateau United, Enugu Rangers and Wikki Tourists. One of the biggest moments of his coaching career came in 2017 when he guided Akwa United FC to victory in the President Federation Cup.

Maikaba also understands the pressure attached to youth football in Nigeria. He previously worked as head coach of the Golden Eaglets and served as assistant coach of the Flying Eagles under Paul Aigbogun. That experience within the national-team setup is believed to have played a major role in the NFF’s decision.

After the announcement, Maikaba took to his X page to address Nigerians and outline his ambitions for the team.

“I am deeply honored for this role as Head Coach of the Nigeria U-20 Flying Eagles,” Maikaba wrote on his X page on Sunday.

“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.

“We are ready to write the next chapter. 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.

“Thank you to the NFF for this trust, and to all Nigerians for your unstoppable energy. Together, we soar.”

Maikaba opens Flying Eagles camp as WAFU B task begins

Maikaba’s first major assignment is preparing Nigeria for the WAFU B U20 Championship scheduled to take place in Côte d'Ivoire in July.

The regional tournament carries enormous importance because it serves as the qualification pathway for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Failure to perform well in the competition would end Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the continental championship and potentially the FIFA U20 World Cup cycle.

Preparations have already begun with the opening of an intensive training camp in Abuja. Maikaba invited a 35-man provisional squad to begin tactical and physical preparations ahead of the tournament.

The squad consists of three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders and 11 forwards. Most of the players were selected from clubs within Nigeria, with 28 home-based talents making the list alongside seven foreign-based professionals.

Among the notable names invited to camp are Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Clinton Lawani and Spain-based defender Wahab Bolanle Musa of FC Malaga. The coaching crew now faces the difficult task of assessing fitness levels, introducing Maikaba’s tactical ideas and reducing the squad to a final competitive group before the tournament begins.

To support the new Flying Eagles coach, the NFF also confirmed his backroom staff. Ortega Deniran will serve as first assistant coach, while Abdullahi Biffo takes the role of second assistant. Former international Usman Mohammed has been appointed as goalkeepers' trainer.

The appointments signal the beginning of another rebuilding phase for Nigeria’s youth football system, with the federation also restructuring other age-grade teams. At the same time as Maikaba’s announcement, football analyst and youth development specialist Eboboritse Uwejamomere was named the new head coach of the Golden Eaglets.

However, the immediate focus for Maikaba remains firmly on the Flying Eagles and the pressure of delivering results quickly. Nigeria’s U20 side remains one of Africa’s most successful youth teams, and expectations will again be high when the squad travels to Côte d'Ivoire in July.