Nigeria’s hopes of featuring at the next CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have received a boost after WAFU B formally appealed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to consider granting the country an additional qualification slot, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The regional football body has written to CAF requesting special consideration for the Flying Eagles following their campaign at the recently concluded WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.

The appeal reportedly followed an agreement reached by the four semi-finalists, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Niger Republic, before the knockout matches.

WAFU B is understood to have referenced the precedent from the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt, when Tunisia were granted a place in the tournament following changes to the hosting arrangements.

Tunisia had initially finished third in the UNAF qualifiers behind Egypt and Morocco. However, after Côte d’Ivoire withdrew as the original host and Egypt assumed hosting responsibilities, Tunisia were subsequently included in the competition.

That decision resulted in 13 teams participating in the 2025 tournament.

WAFU B is now asking CAF to consider a similar arrangement for Nigeria ahead of the next edition, which will be hosted by Ghana.

The regional body wants CAF to award WAFU B an additional qualification slot, which would enable Nigeria to join the other representatives from the zone and increase the region's total number of participants to three.

CAF is expected to study the request before making a final decision on whether Nigeria will be granted a place in the continental championship.

For the Flying Eagles, a favourable response would provide a major lifeline following their WAFU B campaign and preserve their opportunity to compete for continental honours at U-20 level.

Flying Eagles forward Abdulmuiz Adeleke has made history after finishing as the highest goalscorer of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Adeleke ended the tournament with five goals to claim the Golden Boot, establishing himself as one of the standout attacking players in the competition.

The Nigerian forward was particularly influential during the group stage, scoring twice against Ghana before adding another brace against Togo to take his tally to five goals.

His achievement is a significant milestone for Nigerian football, as Adeleke becomes the first Nigerian male player to win the official Top Scorer award at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

While Nigeria claimed the individual scoring honour, Burkina Faso swept the other major individual awards.

Rahim Ouattara was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper and received the Golden Glove, while his compatriot Mohamed Zongo was crowned the Most Valuable Player.

2026 WAFU B U-20 Individual Awards

Golden Glove: Rahim Ouattara (Burkina Faso)

Most Valuable Player: Mohamed Zongo (Burkina Faso)

Highest Goalscorer: Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Nigeria) – 5 goals

Adeleke’s Golden Boot caps an impressive tournament for the Flying Eagles forward and further highlights his emergence as one of Nigeria’s promising young attacking talents.

Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba believes Nigeria have a chance to avenge their group-stage defeat to Burkina Faso when both sides meet in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship on Sunday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The seven-time African champions will battle the Young Stallions at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, hoping to end the tournament with the regional title.

Burkina Faso defeated Nigeria 2-0 during the group stage, but Maikaba believes that experience will give his team valuable knowledge ahead of the decisive encounter.

“I think this is an opportunity for us to redeem ourselves, having lost to Burkina Faso in the group stage. Having played them before, we now have an idea of their shape and structure, and we are working on how to capitalise on their weaknesses, while also consolidating on our own strength,” Maikaba said.

Sunday’s encounter will be the first time Nigeria and Burkina Faso have faced each other in the final of the regional competition, with their previous meetings coming at the group-stage level.

Beyond the trophy, the match carries additional significance as the result will determine the second WAFU B representative to qualify for next year’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations finals alongside hosts Ghana.

Nigeria will therefore be aiming to turn their earlier disappointment against Burkina Faso into victory when the two West African heavyweights meet for the regional crown.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have secured a place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d'Ivoire 4-3 on penalties in Wednesday's semi-final, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The highly anticipated encounter, played this afternoon, ended 2-2 after extra time, with the seven-time African U-20 champions going on to win the penalty shootout over the Young Elephants to keep the hopes of retaining the regional title alive.

The victory caps another impressive performance from the Flying Eagles, who have shown resilience throughout the tournament to reach the championship match.

Nigeria will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Burkina Faso and Niger Republic in Sunday's final, where they will be aiming to add another WAFU B U-20 Championship title to their growing list of honours.

Beyond the race for the trophy, the competition continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing emerging talents across West Africa, providing young players with valuable international experience ahead of future continental and global tournaments.

Having once again demonstrated their pedigree at youth level, the Flying Eagles will now turn their full attention to Sunday's final as they seek to complete another successful WAFU B U-20 Championship campaign.

With the win, the Flying Eagles have now secured qualification for the 2027 U-20 AFCON in Ghana.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

The semi-final line-up for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship has been confirmed, with defending champions Nigeria set for a blockbuster clash against hosts Côte d'Ivoire, while Burkina Faso will take on Niger Republic for the other place in the final, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Group A winners Côte d'Ivoire will face Group B runners-up Nigeria, while Group B champions Burkina Faso will battle Group A runners-up Niger Republic. Both semi-final fixtures will be played on Wednesday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire.

Burkina Faso topped Group B with seven points after recording two wins and one draw from three matches. Nigeria finished second with six points, having defeated Ghana and Togo before falling 2-0 to Burkina Faso in their final group-stage encounter.

Ghana and Togo were eliminated after finishing third and fourth respectively in Group B.

Group B Final Standings

Burkina Faso – 7 points

Nigeria – 6 points

Ghana – 2 points

Togo – 1 point

Group B Results

Nigeria 4-2 Ghana

Nigeria 3-0 Togo

Burkina Faso 2-0 Nigeria

Ghana 1-1 Burkina Faso

Ghana 0-0 Togo

In Group A, hosts Côte d'Ivoire maintained a flawless record, winning both of their matches to finish with the maximum six points. Niger Republic claimed the second qualification spot with three points after registering one win and one defeat, while Benin Republic exited the tournament without a point after losing both fixtures.

The Young Elephants advanced to the last four with disciplined and efficient displays that reinforced their status as one of the favourites to win the title. Niger Republic also booked a place in the semi-finals after showing resilience throughout the group stage.

With the competition entering its decisive phase, the four remaining teams will battle for a place in the final, while the two finalists will also secure qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles head coach, Abdu Maikaba, has turned his attention to the team's next assignment following Monday's convincing 4-2 victory over Ghana in the opening match of the WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Eagles made an impressive start to their title defence by defeating their West African rivals, placing themselves in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.

Despite the emphatic win, Maikaba insisted his players must remain focused and continue approaching the tournament one match at a time.

"Our full focus is on the next game. We approach this tournament one match at a time, and that's exactly how we'll continue. We know that a victory over Togo will secure our place in the semi-finals," Maikaba said after the match.

Nigeria will now shift their attention to Thursday's Group B encounter against Togo, knowing that another victory would confirm their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Flying Eagles will be looking to build on their impressive display against Ghana as they continue their quest to successfully defend the WAFU B U-20 Championship title and secure qualification for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Defending champions Nigeria began their WAFU B U-20 Championship title defence emphatically with a 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Ghana in their Group B opener on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The highly anticipated clash was a repeat of the 2024 final in Lomé, Togo, where the Flying Eagles edged the Black Satellites 2-1 to retain the regional crown.

Nigeria made a blistering start, with Olayemi Ayinla breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute to give the Flying Eagles an early advantage. Oraro Lucky doubled the lead on the half-hour mark before Muiz Adeleke calmly converted a penalty in the 40th minute to hand the seven-time African champions a commanding 3-1 lead at the interval.

Ghana responded with renewed determination after the break, but Nigeria remained in control. Adeleke completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to seal an entertaining 4-2 victory and ensure the Flying Eagles opened their campaign with maximum points.

Goalscorers

Olayemi Ayinla – 6'

Oraro Lucky – 30'

Muiz Adeleke – 40' (Penalty), 89' (Penalty)

The convincing victory strengthens Nigeria's bid to retain the WAFU B U-20 Championship title while boosting their hopes of qualifying for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Flying Eagles have established themselves as the dominant force in the competition in recent years. Isa Ladan Bosso guided Nigeria to the title in Niamey, Niger Republic, before Aliyu Zubairu led the team to another triumph in Lomé after defeating Ghana in the 2024 final.

Current head coach Abdu Maikaba has repeatedly stated that his objective is to successfully defend the regional title while securing qualification for the continental championship, and his side has taken the perfect first step toward achieving that goal.

Nigeria will continue their Group B campaign against Togo on July 30 before rounding off the group stage against Burkina Faso. Positive results in both fixtures would further strengthen the Flying Eagles' chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

Match Summary

WAFU B U-20 Championship – Group B

Full Time: Nigeria 4-2 Ghana

Half Time: Nigeria 3-1 Ghana

Defending champions Nigeria will begin the defence of their WAFU B U-20 Championship crown with a blockbuster Group B encounter against arch-rivals Ghana on Monday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The highly anticipated fixture is a repeat of the 2024 final in Lomé, Togo, where the Flying Eagles defeated the Black Satellites 2-1 to retain the regional title after first lifting the trophy in Niamey in 2022.

Former head coach Isa Ladan Bosso guided Nigeria to the 2022 triumph, while Aliyu Zubairu led the Flying Eagles to back-to-back titles with last year's victory over Ghana.

Monday's clash will also mark the competitive debut of new Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba, who previously served as an assistant with the national U-20 team. The experienced tactician has made his intentions clear ahead of the opening fixture.

"We are going for an outright victory against Ghana because our objective is to retain the trophy, and we have to start winning our matches from day one," Maikaba said.

The Group B opener will be played at the Lycée Scientifique de Yamoussoukro, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. Nigeria time).

Nigeria head into the tournament with confidence after recording a 2-1 victory over Athlétique Club de Zuenoula in a preparatory friendly last Thursday.

The encounter adds another chapter to one of African football's most enduring rivalries. Since their first meeting in 1951, Nigeria and Ghana have produced numerous memorable contests across different age-grade competitions as well as senior men's and women's football.

A positive result against Ghana would significantly boost Nigeria's hopes of reaching the semi-finals in the four-team Group B, which also features Togo and Burkina Faso.

The Flying Eagles will return to action against Togo's Junior Sparrow Hawks on July 30 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Burkina Faso's Young Stallions on August 2, with both matches taking place at the Lycée Scientifique de Yamoussoukro.

Group A consists of hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Benin Republic and Niger Republic.

Ghana U-20 head coach Maxwell Konadu says the Black Satellites are fully prepared for Monday's blockbuster Group B clash against defending champions Nigeria at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The opening fixture at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium rekindles one of West Africa's fiercest football rivalries, with Ghana eager to avenge the 2-1 defeat to the Flying Eagles in the final of the previous edition in Lomé.

Speaking during Sunday's pre-match press conference, Konadu expressed confidence in his team's readiness after an encouraging build-up to the tournament.

"I think we've prepared enough. The boys are ready. We played a couple of friendly games before coming here, and I think the boys are ready for the impending assignment ahead of us," he said.

The former Asante Kotoko coach revealed that Ghana suffered an injury setback before travelling to Côte d'Ivoire, losing their first-choice defensive midfielder. However, he believes the squad has enough quality to cope with the absence.

"We made that correction at home before embarking on this trip. Our key and main defensive midfielder got hurt in training and couldn't make the trip. But we're building everybody for this job, and so we think we're okay even without him," Konadu explained.

Despite Nigeria entering the competition as defending champions, Konadu insisted his side possesses the quality and mentality to challenge the Flying Eagles.

"We are game-ready. We pose the same threat to our Nigerian brothers. Matches between these two nations are always top-liners. Everybody goes in with his full arsenal, trying to carry the day," he added.

Although Ghana's coaching staff have had limited opportunities to analyse Nigeria, Konadu remains convinced his players can rise to the occasion.

"We haven't seen their team yet, but we believe we have the boys who can go out there and defend the flag of Ghana."

The experienced tactician acknowledged the significance of the rivalry, stressing that both teams would be highly motivated.

"We're motivated because it's Nigeria, and they will also be motivated because they are playing Ghana. Matches between these two nations, we all know what they mean. I think the best team will carry the day."

Konadu also highlighted Nigeria's traditional physical and aggressive approach, revealing that Ghana plan to counter it through intelligent possession and composure.

"Nigeria has always been aggressive, which we're aware of. Let's see how our boys respond to that. Maybe we have to circulate the ball a bit. We'll try to think before they act, and I think that will be one of the key areas we have to exploit."

He concluded by acknowledging the challenge of facing the reigning champions while reiterating Ghana's determination to dethrone them.

"We know Nigeria are the defending champions and we have to work even harder to dethrone them."

Following the encounter with Nigeria, the Black Satellites will face Burkina Faso and Togo in their remaining Group B fixtures as they bid for a place in the knockout stage and qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The WAFU B U-20 Championship also serves as the qualifying tournament for the continental competition.

Ghana's Black Satellites have issued an early statement of intent ahead of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after fighting back to defeat Semper Fi 2-1 in their final warm-up match before the tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ghanaian side recovered from a goal down to secure the comeback victory, rounding off their preparations on a positive note before travelling to Côte d'Ivoire for the regional competition.

The result is expected to boost the confidence of the Black Satellites ahead of their opening Group B clash against defending champions Nigeria, with the Flying Eagles widely regarded as one of the favourites to retain the title.

Monday's showdown between the two West African rivals is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage, with both nations eager to begin their WAFU B U-20 Championship campaign with a victory.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles will step up preparations for the defence of their WAFU B U-20 Championship title with a friendly match against Ivorian Ligue 2 side Athlétique Club de Zuénoula on Thursday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The seven-time African champions arrived in Yamoussoukro on Monday ahead of the regional tournament and will use the friendly as part of their final build-up before Monday's Group B opener against Ghana's Black Satellites.

Defending champions Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso as they seek to retain the regional crown.

After their opening clash with Ghana, the Flying Eagles will face Togo before rounding off their group-stage campaign against Burkina Faso on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

The warm-up fixture is expected to provide head coach Abdu Maikaba with another opportunity to evaluate his players and fine-tune his tactical approach ahead of the team's title defence in Côte d'Ivoire.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have settled into their camp in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, as preparations intensify for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions arrived in Abidjan on Monday before travelling by road to Yamoussoukro, where they are staying at the Trio Corridor Hotel ahead of the regional tournament.

Abdu Maikaba's side will begin the defence of their title against Ghana's Black Satellites at the Lycée Scientifique on Monday afternoon in a repeat of the 2024 final in Lomé, where Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory to lift the trophy.

The Flying Eagles will then face Togo's Sparrow Hawks on Thursday before concluding their Group B campaign against Burkina Faso's Young Stallions on Sunday, August 2.

Nigeria heads into the competition aiming to retain the regional title and secure qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Flying Eagles squad:

Goalkeepers: Lawani Clinton (Sporting Lagos), Olayemi Ayinla (Warri Wolves), Wahab Musa (FC Malaga).

Defenders: Timilehin Agbonjimi (FC Ablaze), Odinaka Alfred (Aseami Academy), Somto Nnoli (Akwa United), Samson Joshua (Galadima FC), Ebrima Manneh (Sporting Supreme), Abdoulaye Agbeloye (Grassrunner FC), Habila Simeon (Golden Boot Soccer Academy).

Midfielders: Imrana Muhammad (Deportivo Alavés), Saifullahi Yusuf (Wikki Tourists), Israel Samuel (Abia Warriors), Sani Shuaibu (Wikki Tourists), Oraro Lucky (Warri Wolves), Rufai Abubakar (NK Istra 1961), Auwal Muhammad (Bichi First), Jamilu Yusuf (Junior Danburan).

Forwards: Adamu Hussaini (Barau FC), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme), Abdullahi Ele (JMD FC), Gift Subi (P Sport Academy), Aminu Yusuf (Kano Pillars).

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group B of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, where they will battle Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso for a place in the knockout stage, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The draw, held on Wednesday, placed the defending champions alongside Ghana's Black Satellites, Togo's Junior Sparrow Hawks and Burkina Faso's Young Stallions in what promises to be a competitive group.

Hosts Côte d'Ivoire will headline Group A, which also features Benin Republic and Niger Republic.

Head coach Abdu Maikaba is expected to travel to Côte d'Ivoire with a 23-man squad, with the Flying Eagles scheduled to depart Nigeria on Monday ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria's primary objective will be to secure one of the two available qualification spots for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.

The Flying Eagles head into the competition as reigning WAFU B U-20 champions after defeating Ghana 2-1 in the final of the 2024 edition held in Lomé, Togo.

Nigeria also boasts an outstanding record at youth level, having won the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, while finishing as runners-up on two occasions at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba has stated that securing qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is Nigeria's top priority at the forthcoming WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced tactician explained that reaching the semi-finals, which guarantees qualification for the continental tournament, remains the team's immediate objective before pursuing the regional title.

"Our first objective is to qualify for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana," Maikaba told BSN Sports.

"Once we secure qualification by reaching the semi-finals, our attention will shift to winning the WAFU B championship for Nigeria."

The 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship will take place in Côte d'Ivoire from July 26 to August 9, with the tournament draw scheduled for Wednesday, July 15.

All seven member associations of WAFU B will participate in the competition as they battle for places at the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.

The Flying Eagles will be aiming to book their place at the continental championship while also challenging for the regional crown in Côte d'Ivoire.

Nigeria's U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, are scheduled to depart for Côte d'Ivoire on July 20 to begin the final phase of their preparations for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

A team official confirmed that the squad will continue its build-up in Abidjan before the regional tournament gets underway on July 26.

"We are leaving Nigeria for Côte d'Ivoire on July 20 to continue our preparations for the WAFU B U-20 Tournament, which also serves as the qualifying competition for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations," the official told BSN Sports.

Seven nations will compete in this year's championship, including hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin Republic and Niger Republic.

The West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B is expected to conduct the tournament draw in the days leading up to the competition.

The championship will take place in Abidjan from July 26 to August 9 and will determine the region's representatives for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Head coach Abdu Maikaba has been overseeing preparations in Abuja, with the Flying Eagles intensifying training as they aim to reclaim the regional title.

Nigeria lifted its maiden WAFU B U-20 Championship in 2024 after defeating Ghana 2-1 in the final, a triumph that also secured qualification for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Flying Eagles came close to retaining the title in the 2025 edition but were beaten 1-0 by hosts Côte d'Ivoire in the final, finishing as runners-up.

Established in 2018, the WAFU B U-20 Championship serves as the qualifying competition for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, making it a crucial tournament for the region's emerging talents.

Former Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga has been cleared of a sexual assault charge by Norway's Frostating Court of Appeal, opening the door for his return to first-team football with Molde FK, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 19-year-old Nigerian midfielder had previously been sentenced to six months' imprisonment in March 2026 after a lower court found him guilty of committing a sexual act without consent over an incident alleged to have taken place in April 2025. Formal charges were filed against him in December 2025.

Following the initial conviction, Molde FK suspended Daga indefinitely from all first-team activities while awaiting the outcome of the appeal process.

However, in a statement released on Thursday, the Norwegian club confirmed that the Frostating Court of Appeal had unanimously overturned the conviction, although it noted that the ruling is not yet legally binding.

"Daniel Daga is unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been dealt with by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Molde FK takes note of the verdict, although the judgment is not yet legally binding," the club stated.

Molde also explained that it had continuously reviewed the situation in accordance with its responsibilities as Daga's employer throughout the legal proceedings.

"Since the indictment was filed, Molde FK has made ongoing assessments based on the situation and the club's responsibilities as an employer. Now that the Court of Appeal's judgment has been delivered and Daniel Daga has been acquitted, we consider the employment situation to be clarified, and Daniel will be available for selection for Molde FK going forward," the statement added.

The ruling clears the way for Daga to resume his professional career with the Norwegian club, subject to the judgment becoming legally final.

Abdu Maikaba, head coach of the Nigeria national under-20 football team, has invited 35 players to camp as preparations begin ahead of the WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The list comprises three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders, and 11 forwards.

All invited players are expected to report to camp in Abuja on Saturday, May 16.

Côte d’Ivoire will host the WAFU B U-20 Championship in July.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Clinton Lawani (Sporting Lagos)

Abubakar Rufai (NK-Istra 1961, Croatia)

Uchechukwu Aloysius (Akwa United)

Defenders

Ayinla Olayomi (Warri Wolves)

Abubakar Aliyu (Wikki Tourists)

Favour Nkwocha (Morak FC)

Wahab Bolanle Musa (FC Malaga, Spain)

Bonaventure Chiemela (Inter Lagos)

Gamagira Umar Suleman (Ranchers Bees)

Mathias Azi Yakubu (GBS)

Mutari Momoh (NK-Istra 1961, Croatia)

Abdulaziz Musa Ndaman (Mavlon FC)

Godwin Samuel (Ikon Allah FC)

Midfielders

Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos)

Oraro Apine (Warri Wolves)

Sale Abdulrashid (Kryubar FC, Ukraine)

Sa’ad Tijjani (Barau FC)

Imran Ahmad (Kano Pillars)

Peres Jerem (P Sports)

Ayeni Samson (Stormers FC)

Habila Simeon Sulai (GBS)

Simon Karshe Cletus (FC Rijeka, Croatia)

Auwalu Mohammed (Bichi First FC)

Ibrahim Yakubu (Turbo Touch)

Forwards

Abba Dalli (Katsina United)

Prince Columbus (Forster Academy)

Goodluck Angel (P Sports)

Imrana Mohammed (FC Alaves, Spain)

Adamu Hussaini (Barau FC)

Seun Akanji (Sporting Lagos)

Shamsudeen Adamu Abdullahi (Capital City FC)

Alex Leme (Sporting Lagos)

Ezekiel Oguchukwu (Mavlon FC)

Mus’ab Suleiman (Footwork FC)

Peter Pam Davou (Vitkovice, Czech Republic)

Maikaba will take charge of the Flying Eagles, while Uwejamomere has been appointed head coach of the Golden Eaglets following the ratification of their appointments by the NFF Executive Committee.

Maikaba is an experienced tactician who has coached several clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League and was part of the coaching crew of the Flying Eagles in 2019. He also previously handled the Golden Eaglets and won the President’s Federation Cup in 2017.

Uwejamomere, 29, has built a growing reputation in youth football development and performance analysis. He currently serves as Head of Academy at Sporting Lagos and has worked extensively as a match analyst with both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.

The young coach also previously worked as an academy youth development coach at Millwall FC, Gillingham FC and Nottingham Forest FC in England. In Nigeria, he served as head coach of Abeokuta-based Stormers SC.

Uche Dozie

Experienced tactician Abdu Maikaba has clarified that he has not been officially appointed head coach of Nigeria’s U-20 side, the Flying Eagles, despite reports linking him with the role, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The former Wikki Tourists FC manager confirmed that he submitted an application for the position but is yet to receive any formal communication from the Nigeria Football Federation.

“I have applied, but nobody has told me that I have got the job officially,” Maikaba stated during a telephone interview.

The NFF Technical Committee is currently reviewing applications for several national team coaching roles, as part of a broader restructuring across different age-grade teams.

Recent developments have seen new appointments in the women’s category, including the backroom staff for the Flamingos led by Akeem Busari, while Moses Aduku has been named head coach of the Falconets.

In the men’s category, former internationals Samson Siasia and Daniel Amokachi are reportedly in contention for the U-23 national team job ahead of qualifiers for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Interest is also growing in the U-17 role, with names such as Shola Adegun, Olumide Ajibolade, Eboboritse Uwejamomere, and Sani Kaita reportedly under consideration.

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, five-time champions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, have struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the last two editions.

The NFF is expected to make official announcements on the various coaching appointments in the coming days as it continues efforts to strengthen the country’s national teams across all levels.

Afeez Aremu has expressed his determination to add more goals to his game after scoring the winner in Aberdeen F.C.’s 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock F.C., Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The former Flying Eagles midfielder struck decisively last weekend and believes his effort is a sign of more goals to come, particularly from his preferred position outside the penalty area.

“This is always what I’ve been looking for, second balls after crosses or corners because I like to stay outside the box,” Aremu told the club’s official website.

Reflecting on his technique, the midfielder noted that scoring from distance is something he consistently works on in training.

“In Norway, I scored a similar goal. I practise it in training and even during warm-up. If I get ten chances like that, maybe I’ll score seven,” he added.

The 24-year-old also admitted that improved fitness has played a key role in his recent performances, revealing he initially delayed his debut due to conditioning concerns.

“I feel I am playing better now because my fitness level is much better. When I arrived, I told the coach I wasn’t ready yet. They had to ease me in gradually,” he explained.

Despite the morale-boosting win, Aremu stressed that the team’s focus remains on survival as they prepare for a tough clash against Livingston F.C..

“This is a big win, but it’s not the end. We have to keep going. Every team is fighting to survive, and we are not safe yet,” he said.

Looking ahead, Aremu acknowledged that the club’s ambitions have shifted this season but remains optimistic about the future.

“Aberdeen is a big club that should be competing in Europe. Unfortunately, we couldn’t achieve that this season. The goal now is survival, and next season we start afresh and push the club back to where it belongs,” he concluded.