Head Coach Abdu Maikaba has invited 35 players to the camp of Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, as preparations begin for the forthcoming WAFU B U20 Championship scheduled to take place in Cote d’Ivoire in July.
According to a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Communications Department, the invited squad comprises three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders and 11 forwards.
The players are expected to report to camp in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Saturday, May 16, as the team begins a new phase under Coach Maikaba.
Among the invited goalkeepers are Clinton Lawani of Sporting Lagos, Abubakar Rufai of NK-Istra 1961 in Croatia and Uchechukwu Aloysius of Akwa United.
The defensive lineup includes Ayinla Olayomi of Warri Wolves, Abubakar Aliyu of Wikki Tourists, Wahab Bolanle Musa of FC Malaga in Spain, Bonaventure Chiemela of Inter Lagos and Mutari Momoh of NK-Istra 1961, Croatia.
Others are Abdulaziz Musa Ndaman of Mavlon FC, Godwin Samuel of Ikon Allah FC, Mathias Azi Yakubu of GBS and Gamagira Umar Suleman of Ranchers Bees.
In midfield, Coach Maikaba selected players such as Victor Samuel of Sporting Lagos, Oraro Apine of Warri Wolves, Sale Abdulrashid of Kryubar FC in Ukraine, Imran Ahmad of Kano Pillars and Simon Karshe Cletus of FC Rijeka, Croatia.
Also invited are Sa’ad Tijjani of Barau FC, Peres Jerem of P Sports, Ayeni Samson of Stormers FC, Habila Simeon Sulai of GBS, Auwalu Mohammed of Bichi First FC and Ibrahim Yakubu of Turbo Touch.
The attacking department features Abba Dalli of Katsina United, Prince Columbus of Forster Academy, Goodluck Angel of P Sports and Imrana Mohammed of FC Alaves, Spain.
Other forwards on the list include Adamu Hussaini of Barau FC, Seun Akanji and Alex Leme of Sporting Lagos, Shamsudeen Adamu Abdullahi of Capital City FC, Ezekiel Oguchukwu of Mavlon FC, Mus’ab Suleiman of Footwork FC and Peter Pam Davou of Vitkovice in the Czech Republic.
The WAFU B U20 Championship is expected to serve as a key platform for the Flying Eagles to assess and develop talents ahead of future continental and international competitions.