NFF Appoints Abdu Maikaba and Eboboritse Uwejamomere as New Youth National Team Head Coaches

Posted : 08 May 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially approved a significant reshuffle in the coaching staff of the country's male age-grade national teams. This announcement follows recommendations from the NFF Technical and Development Committee. Experienced tactician Abdu Maikaba has been appointed as the new head coach of the U-20 Flying Eagles. Meanwhile, football development specialist Eboboritse Uwejamomere has been handed the reins of the five-time world champion U-17 Golden Eaglets.

Abdu Maikaba returns to the national team setup with a wealth of experience in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). He has managed top-tier clubs including Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars, and Plateau United. Maikaba famously led Akwa United to a Federation Cup title in 2017. He also previously served as an assistant to Paul Aigbogun with the Flying Eagles and was a former head coach of the U-17 team. His appointment is seen as a move to bring tactical discipline and local expertise to the U-20 side.

Eboboritse Uwejamomere represents a shift toward modern technical analysis and structured youth growth. He holds a UEFA A License and has worked extensively as a coach-analyst for both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons. Uwejamomere has served as the head of the academy at Sporting Lagos FC. His resume also includes coaching roles at English clubs like Millwall and Nottingham Forest. The NFF expects his analytical background to help restore the Golden Eaglets to their former global dominance.

The new coaches face the immediate challenge of reviving Nigeria’s youth football fortunes. The Flying Eagles recently reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup under Aliyu Zubairu. However, the Golden Eaglets failed to qualify for the most recent editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The federation aims to use this new leadership to ensure qualification for upcoming continental and global tournaments.

NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi expressed confidence in the new appointments during the unveiling. He noted that the federation chose coaches who balance domestic experience with international technical standards. The NFF Technical Committee emphasized that these changes are vital for long-term player development. Both coaches are expected to begin scouting and preparation for upcoming WAFU regional qualifiers immediately.

NFF Appoints Abdu Maikaba and Eboboritse Uwejamomere as New Youth National Team Head Coaches

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