Nigerian football federation reshuffles youth teams ahead of upcoming CAF and FIFA competitions
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially appointed experienced tactician Abdu Maikaba as head coach of the Flying Eagles, while Eboboritse Uwejamomere has been named the new coach of the Golden Eaglets as part of a strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s youth national teams.
The appointments were approved by the NFF Executive Committee following recommendations from the Federation’s Technical and Development Committee ahead of forthcoming continental and international youth competitions.
Maikaba returns to the national team setup with vast experience in Nigerian football, having previously coached the Golden Eaglets and also served as assistant coach of the Flying Eagles during Paul Aigbogun’s tenure. The veteran manager has handled several top Nigeria Premier Football League sides, including Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Plateau United and Wikki Tourists.
One of Maikaba’s biggest achievements came in 2017 when he guided Akwa United to victory in the Federation Cup, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s respected football managers.
For Uwejamomere, the appointment marks another major step in his growing coaching career. The highly-rated football analyst has worked with the Super Eagles and Super Falcons technical crews and currently serves as Head of Academy at Sporting Lagos FC.
The new Golden Eaglets coach also boasts international youth development experience after previous coaching roles with English clubs Millwall, Gillingham and Nottingham Forest academies.
The NFF is expected to rely on the pair’s technical expertise and youth development background to revive Nigeria’s age-grade football fortunes following mixed performances in recent tournaments. The Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets remain two of Nigeria’s most successful youth national teams, with the country historically producing some of Africa’s finest football talents through both systems.
The appointments are already generating conversations among Nigerian football fans, many of whom believe the federation’s decision could help strengthen the pathway between grassroots football and the senior national teams.