BREAKING: Maikaba, Uwejamomere Name Assistant Coaches As Nigeria Begins U-20, U-17 Rebuild

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Nigeria’s youth football reset has taken a decisive step forward after the newly appointed head coaches of the U-20 and U-17 men’s national teams confirmed their backroom staff ahead of crucial qualifying campaigns.

Flying Eagles boss Abdu Maikaba on Thursday unveiled Ortega Deniran as the first assistant, Abdullahi Biffo as the second assistant, and Usman Mohammed as the goalkeeper trainer.

The appointments come as the U-20 side prepares to open camp in Abuja on Sunday in readiness for the WAFU B U-20 Boys Championship, the regional competition that doubles as the qualifying route to the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Maikaba brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as assistant coach of the Flying Eagles and handled several top Nigerian club sides.

His immediate task is to assemble a competitive squad capable of restoring Nigeria’s dominance at the youth level. The Flying Eagles remain the most successful nation in the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, with seven titles, and expectations are high for another strong showing.

At the U-17 level, newly appointed Golden Eaglets coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere has also finalised his technical crew. Olumide Ajibolade will serve as first assistant, Mohammed Kachala as second assistant and Abdullahi Isa as goalkeeper trainer.

Their focus is the WAFU B U-17 Boys Championship scheduled for September, which will determine qualification for the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and ultimately the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The Golden Eaglets have a proud pedigree, having won the FIFA U-17 World Cup a record five times. However, recent disappointments have increased the urgency for revival after Nigeria failed to qualify in the last two campaigns.