Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba has emphasized that his team needs to be prepared for hard work if they wish to find success at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.
This regional tournament will also act as the qualifying event for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, with the leading teams securing spots at the continental finals.
Nigeria will face off against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger Republic in this fiercely competitive tournament.
Despite the strength of the competition, Maikaba remains hopeful that the Flying Eagles possess the capability to thrive.
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“I hold strong belief in the potential of this squad, but raw talent will not be enough for us to succeed,” Maikaba stated on X.
“In order to compete with some of West Africa’s youth teams, my players must meld their skills with discipline, hard work, and a victorious mindset.”
Prepared For Challenging Competition
Maikaba also cautioned his players to brace for tougher challenges, pointing out that the level of play is continually improving as nations in the region invest heavily in youth football development.
“We are not yet at our desired level. There is still much work to be done because the WAFU B Championship is consistently very competitive. Every nation will come with skilled players and a strong desire to qualify. Therefore, we need to keep elevating our standards in every facet of our game.”
