Maikaba promises more opportunities for NLO players in Flying Eagles

Newly appointed Flying Eagles Coach, Abdul Maikaba, has promised to give more players from the Nationwide League One (NLO) the opportunity to prove themselves in the national U-20 team setup. Maikaba gave the assurance while speaking at the Area 3 centre of the ongoing 2026 NLO season in Abuja, where he monitored matches and scouted […]

Newly appointed Flying Eagles Coach, Abdul Maikaba, has promised to give more players from the Nationwide League One (NLO) the opportunity to prove themselves in the national U-20 team setup.

Maikaba gave the assurance while speaking at the Area 3 centre of the ongoing 2026 NLO season in Abuja, where he monitored matches and scouted for young talents.

The coach, who recently released a 35-man list for the Flying Eagles, said the timing of the NLO season limited his chances of selecting more grassroots players before the team’s camping programme commenced.

“I spite of  the fact that I have released my 35-man list, that does not mean there are no other talents in the country,” Maikaba said.

“If I see any good player, I can always give him the opportunity to come and prove himself in the national team.”

He explained that he had been travelling across different centres to monitor games in search of talented young players capable of representing Nigeria at the U-20 level.

“I have seen games in Kano, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and now Abuja. I wish I had enough time to go round more centres because I believe there are many talents in the NLO,” he said. (NAN)