Head coach of the Flying Eagles, Nigeria national under-20 football team, Abdu Maikaba, has revealed that only a handful of foreign-based players are expected to be part of the squad for the upcoming WAFU B U-20 Championship.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Backs Major Sports Revolution As Nigeria Targets 2027 Africa Schools Games
The tournament, scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire in July, will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Speaking on the team’s preparations, Maikaba disclosed that the availability of overseas-based players remains uncertain despite some currently training with the squad.
“We will likely have only a few foreign-based players in the team,” Maikaba said.
According to the Flying Eagles coach, many of the players presently in camp are only available because European leagues are currently on break.
“Some of them are here because their clubs are on holiday,” he implied.
Maikaba admitted there is no guarantee that those players will be released once the competition officially begins.
“We cannot be certain they will be available for selection when the tournament starts,” he noted.
The coach, however, stressed that the team remains open to new additions as preparations continue.
“The door is still open for more players to join the squad,” he added.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding some foreign-based stars, Maikaba expressed confidence in the quality available within the current group.
“Our focus remains building a strong and competitive team,” he stressed.
The Flying Eagles recently began preparations for the tournament as Nigeria seeks another appearance at the continental championship.
“The WAFU competition will be a major test for the new-look squad,” many football observers believe.
The tournament represents a crucial step in Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the next Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
For Abdu Maikaba, the message is clear.
Foreign-based players may not dominate the squad.
The selection process remains open.
And the Flying Eagles are focused on building the strongest possible team ahead of a crucial qualification campaign.
Because success at youth level depends on preparation, adaptability, and selecting players who are fully available and committed.
