Nigeria’s U20 MNT head coach Abdu Maikaba has named a 35-man squad, without Ebenezer Harcourt, for the upcoming WAFU B U20 Championship in July.
The squad announcement marks Maikaba’s first major assignment since taking charge of the Flying Eagles, with preparations expected to begin immediately in Abuja.
Maikaba’s list combines talents from the NPFL, Local Academies and foreign based players.
Sporting Lagos have a strong presence in the squad, while clubs in Spain, Croatia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic are also represented.
In goal, the coach invited Clinton Lawani of Sporting Lagos, Abubakar Rufai of Croatian side NK-Istra 1961, and Akwa United goalkeeper Uchechukwu Aloysius.
The defensive unit includes Ayinla Olayomi of Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists defender Abubakar Aliyu, Favour Nkwocha of Morak FC.
Wahab Bolanle Musa from Spanish club FC Malaga, Bonaventure Chiemela of Inter Lagos, Gamagira Umar Suleman of Ranchers Bees, Mathias Azi Yakubu of GBS.
Croatian-based Mutari Momoh, Abdulaziz Musa Ndaman of Mavlon FC, and Godwin Samuel of Ikon Allah FC.
In midfield, Maikaba selected Victor Samuel of Sporting Lagos, Oraro Apine from Warri Wolves, Ukraine-based Sale Abdulrashid of Kryvbas FC, Sa’ad Tijjani of Barau FC.
Kano Pillars midfielder Imran Ahmad, Peres Jerem of P Sports, Ayeni Samson of Stormers FC, Habila Simeon Sulai of GBS, FC Rijeka midfielder Simon Karshe Cletus, Auwalu Mohammed of Bichi First FC, and Ibrahim Yakubu of Turbo Touch.
The attacking department also features exciting young talents including Katsina United striker Abba Dalli, Prince Columbus of Forster Academy.
Goodluck Angel from P Sports, FC Alaves forward Imrana Mohammed, Adamu Hussaini of Barau FC, Sporting Lagos duo Seun Akanji and Alex Leme.
Shamsudeen Adamu Abdullahi of Capital City FC, Ezekiel Oguchukwu of Mavlon FC, Mus’ab Suleiman from Footwork FC, and Peter Pam Davou of Czech club Vitkovice.
Several of the invited players will be hoping this opportunity becomes their breakthrough moment on the international stage.
Also read: How Good Can Ebenezer Harcourt Get?
The inclusion of foreign-based youngsters also highlights the growing number of Nigerian talents developing across Europe.
For Maikaba, the WAFU B Championship represents more than just another tournament.
It is the first chance to shape a new Flying Eagles identity and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition in youth football.
Over the years, the Flying Eagles – 7 times Champions of the U20 AFCON – have produced some of the country’s finest footballers, with many going on to represent the Super Eagles.
Now, another generation has been handed the opportunity to carry that legacy forward.
