Maikaba Invites 35 Players as Flying Eagles Begin WAFU B U-20 Preparations

Abdu Maikaba has named a 35-man squad for the Flying Eagles’ training camp ahead of the WAFU B U-20 Championship scheduled for July in Côte d’Ivoire.

The invited players are expected to report to camp in Abuja on Saturday, May 16, as the team begins early preparations for the regional youth tournament.

The squad comprises three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders and 11 forwards, with several foreign-based and academy players included in the selection.

The WAFU B U-20 Championship will serve as an important test for the team as they continue their build-up toward future continental competitions.

In goal, Maikaba invited Clinton Lawani (Sporting Lagos), Abubakar Rufai (NK Istra 1961, Croatia) and Uchechukwu Aloysius (Akwa United).

The defensive unit includes Ayinla Olayomi (Warri Wolves), Abubakar Aliyu (Wikki Tourists), Favour Nkwocha (Morak FC), Wahab Bolanle Musa (FC Malaga, Spain), Bonaventure Chiemela (Inter Lagos), Gamagira Umar Suleman (Ranchers Bees), Mathias Azi Yakubu (GBS), Mutari Momoh (NK Istra 1961, Croatia), Abdulaziz Musa Ndaman (Mavlon FC) and Godwin Samuel (Ikon Allah FC).

In midfield, the invited players are Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos), Oraro Apine (Warri Wolves), Sale Abdulrashid (Kryubar FC, Ukraine), Sa’ad Tijjani (Barau FC), Imran Ahmad (Kano Pillars), Peres Jerem (P Sports), Ayeni Samson (Stormers FC), Habila Simeon Sulai (GBS), Simon Karshe Cletus (FC Rijeka, Croatia), Auwalu Mohammed (Bichi First FC) and Ibrahim Yakubu (Turbo Touch).

The forward line features Abba Dalli (Katsina United), Prince Columbus (Forster Academy), Goodluck Angel (P Sports), Imrana Mohammed (FC Alaves, Spain), Adamu Hussaini (Barau FC), Seun Akanji (Sporting Lagos), Shamsudeen Adamu Abdullahi (Capital City FC), Alex Leme (Sporting Lagos), Ezekiel Oguchukwu (Mavlon FC), Mus’ab Suleiman (Footwork FC) and Peter Pam Davou (Vitkovice, Czech Republic).

Nigeria will be looking to use the tournament as a key development platform for the squad as they continue preparations for major U-20 international competitions.