Nigeria’s Flying Eagles head coach, Abdu Maikaba, has assured football fans that the national U-20 team is determined to build a side Nigerians will be proud of as preparations intensify for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.
The seven-time African champions are currently in camp fine-tuning their preparations for the regional tournament, with the ultimate objective of securing qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Speaking on the team’s progress, Maikaba expressed satisfaction with the players’ attitude and commitment since the commencement of training, noting that the technical crew has been encouraged by the positive response from the squad.
“I am satisfied with the progress the boys have made since we started our preparations. They have shown commitment, discipline, and a strong desire to improve every day. The response from the players has been very encouraging, and that gives us confidence as a technical crew,” Maikaba said.
Despite the encouraging signs, the Flying Eagles coach admitted there is still plenty of work ahead before the competition begins.
“We are not where we want to be yet. There is still a lot of work ahead of us because the WAFU B Championship is always highly competitive. Every country will arrive with quality players and a determination to qualify, so we must continue raising our standards in every aspect of our game.”
Maikaba revealed that the coaching crew is concentrating on tactical discipline, fitness, decision-making and team cohesion to ensure the Flying Eagles are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
“Football at this level is decided by small details. We are working on our tactical discipline, our decision-making in key moments, our fitness levels and our understanding as a team. Improvement is a continuous process, and I expect every player to remain focused and committed throughout this journey.”
The former Akwa United coach also reminded the players that no position in the squad is guaranteed, insisting that every player must continue to earn the right to represent Nigeria.
“Nobody should feel comfortable. Every player must continue to earn his place through hard work, consistency and dedication.
“Representing Nigeria is a privilege, and wearing the Flying Eagles jersey comes with great responsibility. I want every player to understand what it means to play for this country.”
Reaffirming the team’s ambition, Maikaba said the Flying Eagles are fully focused on qualifying for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations while giving Nigerians a team worthy of their support.
“Our objective is clear—to build a team that Nigerians will be proud of. We want to arrive in Côte d’Ivoire fully prepared, compete with confidence and achieve our qualification target.
“The players understand our expectations, and I believe they have the quality to keep improving if they remain committed to the process.”
