Nigeria’s U20 and U17 national teams begin rebuilding process ahead of crucial WAFU qualifiers.
Newly appointed Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba and Golden Eaglets boss Eboboritse Uwejamomere have officially unveiled their assistant coaches as preparations intensify for upcoming youth football tournaments.
The appointments mark another major step in the rebuilding process for Nigeria’s U20 and U17 men’s national teams ahead of crucial WAFU B qualifying competitions later this year.
Maikaba, who recently took charge of the Flying Eagles following approval from the Nigeria Football Federation, selected Ortega Deniran as first assistant coach, Abdullahi Biffo as second assistant, while Usman Mohammed will serve as goalkeeper trainer.
The experienced tactician is expected to lead the Flying Eagles into the 2025 WAFU B U20 Boys Championship scheduled for July, which will serve as the qualification tournament for the 2026 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most successful youth football nations, with the Flying Eagles having won the Africa U20 Cup of Nations seven times. The team also boasts two FIFA U20 World Cup final appearances.
Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets coach Uwejamomere also confirmed his technical crew as he begins preparations to rebuild Nigeria’s U17 side after recent qualification disappointments.
The former Sporting Lagos academy head appointed Olumide Joseph Ajibolade as first assistant coach, Mohammed Kalli Kachala as second assistant, while Abdullahi Isa takes charge as goalkeeper trainer.
The Golden Eaglets are expected to compete in the WAFU B U17 Boys Championship in September, which doubles as the qualification tournament for the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the last two FIFA U17 World Cups, increasing pressure on the new technical crew to restore the country’s dominance at youth level. The Golden Eaglets remain the most successful nation in FIFA U17 World Cup history with five titles.
Maikaba brings extensive coaching experience to the Flying Eagles role, having previously managed clubs such as Enyimba, Akwa United, Kano Pillars, Plateau United and Wikki Tourists. He also worked previously with Nigeria’s youth national teams.
On his part, Uwejamomere has built a strong reputation in youth development and football analysis, previously working with Sporting Lagos, the Super Eagles technical setup and several academies in England.
Both coaches are expected to begin intensive scouting and camping programmes in the coming weeks as Nigeria targets successful qualification campaigns and a return to dominance in African youth football.