The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced fresh technical appointments for the Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets as both national teams prepare for crucial regional qualifiers ahead of next year’s continental championships.
New Flying Eagles Head Coach, Abdu Maikaba, on Thursday confirmed the composition of his backroom staff ahead of the team’s preparations for the upcoming WAFU B U20 Boys Championship.
Maikaba named Ortega Deniran as first assistant coach, while Abdullahi Biffo will serve as second assistant coach.
Usman Mohammed was appointed as the team’s goalkeepers’ trainer.
The new coach, who previously worked with the Flying Eagles as an assistant and has handled several clubs in the Nigerian league, is expected to officially begin preparations when the team opens camp in Abuja on Sunday, May 17.
Training activities are scheduled to commence immediately as the seven-time African champions intensify preparations for the WAFU B U20 Boys Championship billed for July.
The regional tournament would determine qualification for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, a competition in which Nigeria remains the most successful country with seven titles.
In a similar development, newly-appointed Golden Eaglets Head Coach, Eboboritse Uwejamomere, also announced his technical crew as Nigeria targets a return to the FIFA U17 World Cup and hopes to secure a record-extending sixth global title.
Uwejamomere selected Olumide Ajibolade as first assistant coach, while Mohammed Kachala was named second assistant coach.
Abdullahi Isa would take charge as goalkeepers’ trainer.
The Golden Eaglets are expected to begin preparations ahead of the WAFU B U17 Boys Championship scheduled for September.
The competition would serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa U17 Cup of Nations, with Nigeria seeking a strong return to youth football dominance on the continent.
Meanwhile, the NFF has confirmed that the draw ceremony for the national stage of the 2026 President Federation Cup will take place on Friday at the federation’s secretariat in Abuja.
The announcement comes after the conclusion of the national playoff matches, where four teams were eliminated from the women’s category while six clubs exited the men’s competition.
Organisers confirmed that 32 teams would participate in the women’s tournament, while 64 clubs would compete in the men’s category.
Defending champions Kwara United are among the top contenders expected to battle for the men’s title alongside Shooting Stars, Rangers International, Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, Nasarawa United and Barau FC.
In the women’s competition, reigning champions Rivers Angels would compete against strong contenders such as Nasarawa Amazons, Bayelsa Queens, FC Robo Queens, Ibom Angels and Naija Ratels.
With clubs from across the federation qualifying for the tournament, expectations are already building for another fiercely contested edition of Nigeria’s oldest domestic cup competition.
