Maikaba will take charge of the Flying Eagles, while Uwejamomere has been appointed head coach of the Golden Eaglets following the ratification of their appointments by the NFF Executive Committee.

Maikaba is an experienced tactician who has coached several clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League and was part of the coaching crew of the Flying Eagles in 2019. He also previously handled the Golden Eaglets and won the President’s Federation Cup in 2017.

Uwejamomere, 29, has built a growing reputation in youth football development and performance analysis. He currently serves as Head of Academy at Sporting Lagos and has worked extensively as a match analyst with both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.

The young coach also previously worked as an academy youth development coach at Millwall FC, Gillingham FC and Nottingham Forest FC in England. In Nigeria, he served as head coach of Abeokuta-based Stormers SC.

Uche Dozie

Experienced tactician Abdu Maikaba has clarified that he has not been officially appointed head coach of Nigeria’s U-20 side, the Flying Eagles, despite reports linking him with the role, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The former Wikki Tourists FC manager confirmed that he submitted an application for the position but is yet to receive any formal communication from the Nigeria Football Federation.

“I have applied, but nobody has told me that I have got the job officially,” Maikaba stated during a telephone interview.

The NFF Technical Committee is currently reviewing applications for several national team coaching roles, as part of a broader restructuring across different age-grade teams.

Recent developments have seen new appointments in the women’s category, including the backroom staff for the Flamingos led by Akeem Busari, while Moses Aduku has been named head coach of the Falconets.

In the men’s category, former internationals Samson Siasia and Daniel Amokachi are reportedly in contention for the U-23 national team job ahead of qualifiers for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Interest is also growing in the U-17 role, with names such as Shola Adegun, Olumide Ajibolade, Eboboritse Uwejamomere, and Sani Kaita reportedly under consideration.

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, five-time champions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, have struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the last two editions.

The NFF is expected to make official announcements on the various coaching appointments in the coming days as it continues efforts to strengthen the country’s national teams across all levels.

Afeez Aremu has expressed his determination to add more goals to his game after scoring the winner in Aberdeen F.C.’s 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock F.C., Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The former Flying Eagles midfielder struck decisively last weekend and believes his effort is a sign of more goals to come, particularly from his preferred position outside the penalty area.

“This is always what I’ve been looking for, second balls after crosses or corners because I like to stay outside the box,” Aremu told the club’s official website.

Reflecting on his technique, the midfielder noted that scoring from distance is something he consistently works on in training.

“In Norway, I scored a similar goal. I practise it in training and even during warm-up. If I get ten chances like that, maybe I’ll score seven,” he added.

The 24-year-old also admitted that improved fitness has played a key role in his recent performances, revealing he initially delayed his debut due to conditioning concerns.

“I feel I am playing better now because my fitness level is much better. When I arrived, I told the coach I wasn’t ready yet. They had to ease me in gradually,” he explained.

Despite the morale-boosting win, Aremu stressed that the team’s focus remains on survival as they prepare for a tough clash against Livingston F.C..

“This is a big win, but it’s not the end. We have to keep going. Every team is fighting to survive, and we are not safe yet,” he said.

Looking ahead, Aremu acknowledged that the club’s ambitions have shifted this season but remains optimistic about the future.

“Aberdeen is a big club that should be competing in Europe. Unfortunately, we couldn’t achieve that this season. The goal now is survival, and next season we start afresh and push the club back to where it belongs,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Football Federation has responded to growing concerns over unpaid bonuses and allowances owed to members of the Flying Eagles, following complaints from players across the 2023 and 2025 squads, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Several players have called on the federation to settle outstanding qualification bonuses and camp allowances accumulated over a three-year period. The affected players featured in competitions such as the WAFU B Cup, the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, with payments reportedly tied to six major tournaments and about 65 days of camping.

Under former head coach Ladan Bosso, the 2023 squad won the WAFU B Cup after defeating Benin Republic in the final, finished third at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, and reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina before losing to South Korea.

In 2025, the team, led by Aliyu Zubair, finished runners-up at the WAFU B Cup after losing narrowly to Ivory Coast but still qualified for the U-20 AFCON. They progressed to the semi-finals of the continental tournament, securing a World Cup ticket, and eventually placed fourth. The team later exited the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16.

Sources revealed that players and officials were promised a $5,000 qualification bonus per tournament, along with daily camp allowances of $100. The structure was introduced after the NFF scrapped match bonuses for age-grade teams in 2017 during the administration of former president Amaju Pinnick.

However, some players allege that while the federation may consider settling outstanding camp allowances, qualification bonuses could be excluded. One player claimed that about 25 days of unpaid allowances from 2023 amount to $2,500, while roughly 40 days from 2025 total $4,000 per player.

Another source indicated that the NFF has begun moves to address the debts ahead of its forthcoming elective congress, amid fears the issue could become a major talking point.

Responding to the claims, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi denied suggestions that the federation intends to default on payments.

“If I were them, I would have waited to see. What evidence do they have that the NFF is planning to neglect part of the money?” Sanusi said.

He added that while immediate full payment may not be possible, a significant portion of the outstanding sums would be settled, stressing that all matches played by the team had official approval.

The development adds to a series of financial disputes involving the NFF, including bonus-related concerns previously raised by the Super Eagles during the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, as well as scrutiny from the House of Representatives Committee on Sports in 2023 over similar issues affecting the Flying Eagles.

-BSNSports

Six-time champions Argentina eliminated Nigeria from the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile on Wednesday evening, winning their Round of 16 tie in Santiago 4-0 to avenge the Flying Eagles’ own triumph over them at the same stage when the Argies hosted the tournament two years ago, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Alejo Sarco scored Argentina’s first as early as the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game-plan. Maher Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.

An appeal for penalty award from Nigeria was waved off by the referee despite Ramirez’s clumsy challenge on Salihu in the vital area. Oseer Achihi was a constant threat from the left wing of play, as his crosses into the box forced the Argentines to defend stoutly, conceding throw-ins and corner-kicks to relieve them of the pressure.

Daniel Daga's stoppage-time close range effort on goal was denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi's superb save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at half time. Carrizo compounded matters for Nigeria with the third goal in the 53rd minute, after the South Americans broke forward once more.

Second half substitute, Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap to bend his kick to the bottom right of Ebenezer Harcourt for Argentina's fourth goal in the 66th minute.

Defeat meant elimination from this year’s championship for two-time silver medalists Nigeria.  

Credit: NFF

Nigeria and Argentina will, once again, set the global football stage alight as the round of 16 of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals commence in Chile on Wednesday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Both countries have fought memorable battles in the FIFA World Cup finals, FIFA U20 World Cup finals, and at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, but the most recent remains Nigeria’s spectacular 2-0 defeat of the Albiceleste in a Round of 16 encounter when Argentina hosted the FIFA U20 World Cup finals two years ago.

Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki scored the goals that stunned the hosts and upturned the predictions of most pundits, with the Flying Eagles advancing to the quarter-finals, where they lost in extra time to the Republic of Korea.

Two decades ago, the Flying Eagles narrowly lost 1-2 to Argentina in the FIFA U20 World Cup Final in the Netherlands, with both Argentine goals coming from penalty kicks converted by Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi scored a brilliant goal for Nigeria.

Argentina have won the FIFA U20 World Cup six times, while Nigeria have finished with the silver medals twice (1989 and 2005) and the bronze once (1985), but there will be no inferiority complex on the part of the seven-time African champions when they take the pitch of the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago from 8.30 pm Nigeria time on Wednesday.

Self-belief, sense of purpose and pride, and resilience got the wards of Aliyu Zubair through the group stage, with four points off Saudi Arabia and Colombia, and the Colombians are unlikely to forget how the West Africans dominated a game they (Colombia) were tipped to win easily.

Thrice, the Flying Eagles struck the bar in the encounter at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, and earned a deserved point at the end when captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a penalty kick conceded in desperation by the South Americans as the tireless Nigerian attack went on the rampage once more.

Coach Zubair must pick a new man to team up with Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi in the fore, with Suleman Sani suspended after accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage.

The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening and will conduct a training session on Tuesday evening ahead of the clash with the Argies.

Credit: NFF

Nigeria's U20 coach, Aliyu Zubairu praised his players' resilience and tactical discipline after the Flying Eagles secured a 1-1 draw with Colombia, sealing their qualification for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match, played at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca, saw Nigeria dominate the first half, hitting the post and crossbar on multiple occasions.

However, it was Colombia who took the lead six minutes into the second half through Kener González's clinical finish.

Despite the setback, the Flying Eagles refused to give up, pushing for an equalizer.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty, securing the vital point needed for Nigeria's qualification.

Coach after the game applaud the team's fighting spirit.

"It wasn’t easy, but we stood our ground and were proactive,” Zubairu said.

"We knew they are physically strong and good on the ball, so we tried to deny them passing lanes, and that gave us a little edge.

"All we wanted was to qualify for the next round, and we are not worried about who we have to face.”

The Flying Eagles will now face Argentina in the knockout stage, a team that won all three of their group games.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Flying Eagles winger Suleiman Sani has hailed his teammates’ determination and teamwork following Nigeria’s 1–1 draw with Colombia, which sealed their place in the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The Nigerian side showed great resilience after falling behind, with Daniel Bamayi converting a late penalty to earn a crucial point and secure qualification as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage.

Speaking after the match, Sani expressed his delight at the team’s progress but admitted disappointment over his suspension for the next game. The energetic winger received a second yellow card in the group stage, ruling him out of Nigeria’s next fixture against six-time champions Argentina on Wednesday.

“I’m very happy that we qualified for the knockout stage,” Sani said. “Determination and teamwork helped us get the result against Colombia, and now we are through. Hopefully, we won’t struggle the way we did in the group stage. Even though I won’t be part of the team against Argentina, I trust my teammates not to disappoint.”

Sani was among Nigeria’s standout performers against Colombia, coming close to scoring when his powerful effort rattled the crossbar. The Flying Eagles will now face Argentina in what promises to be one of the most exciting clashes of the knockout phase.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have qualified for the knockout stages of the FIFA U20WC World Cup, fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw against Colombia in their last group game, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

Daniel Bameyi’s late penalty helps the Flying Eagles secure a point and seal their spot in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.

This is after Kéner González Mosquera's goal for Colombia on 51 minutes of the game at Estadio Fiscal de Talca.

The result sees Nigeria finish third in their group, advancing to the round of 16 after securing one of the non-automatic positions.

?The Flying Eagles will now face Argentina in the next round, coming up against a team that won all three of their group games.

The game against Argentina is scheduled for Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, starting at 8:30 pm.

Uche Dozie 

Flying Eagles captain, Daniel Bameyi is confident that his team has the talent and determination to win the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations title, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Despite a disappointing opening loss to Norway, Nigeria bounced back with a thrilling 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia, with Bameyi scoring the winning penalty in stoppage time.

"I’m happy we got the three points after losing the first game, mothing is impossible in football.

“It’s a tournament that my country hasn’t managed to win yet, and I think we’ve got the quality in our squad to do what it takes.” Bameyi said, reflecting on the team.

"The win against Saudi Arabia was a great boost for us, and we're looking to build on that momentum."

The Flying Eagles face a crucial match against Colombia in their final group game on Monday, with a win likely to secure their place in the knockout round.

Bameyi is adamant that his team has the quality and resilience to overcome the challenge ahead.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Flying Eagles captain, Daniel Bameyi has been named Man of the Match following his team's thrilling 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Bameyi scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time, securing a crucial victory for Aliyu Zubairu's side.

The 19-year-old centre-back put up an impressive display, showcasing his leadership qualities and defensive prowess, particularly in the second half.

https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1973943777505968535?t=Wsl47UrqboWamVYSe4AehQ&s=19

His late penalty proved to be the decisive moment in the match, earning him the Man of the Match award.

This feet came few days after the Bayelsa United defender's error in the box caused Nigeria a penalty and a 1-0 defeat to Norway in the first round.

The win has set up a crucial encounter for Nigeria against Colombia in their final group game on Monday.

A positive result against Colombia would likely guarantee the Flying Eagles' progression to the knockout stage.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has praised his players' determination following their 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in a thrilling Group F encounter at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The West Africans trailed twice in the match but showed great resilience to secure the win, with Nasiru Salihu, Amos Ochoche, and captain Daniel Bameyi scoring the decisive goals.

Bameyi, who was instrumental in the victory, scored the winning penalty in stoppage time, earning him the Man of the Match award.

The win has significantly improved Nigeria's chances of advancing to the Round of 16.

"The players made up their minds that they had to go all out for the three points here, and that is what motivated them. Now it’s simple: we have to go all out for the three points against Colombia."

The Flying Eagles will face Colombia in their final group match on Monday, with a positive result likely to guarantee their progression to the knockout stage.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

The Flying Eagles will be aiming for victory against Saudi Arabia on Matchday 2 in the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, after a painful loss to Norway in their first group game on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Despite dominating the game and creating a number of opportunities, the seven-time African champions were unlucky not to have equalized in the second half of the encounter, and probably taken the three points. On two occasions, their appeals for penalty awards were turned down by the referee.

Victory against Saudi Arabia will put the two-time World Cup runners-up in a good position to qualify for the championship’s Round of 16, ahead of their clash with Colombia on Sunday.

Head Coach Aliyu Zubair is upbeat that his wards have shaken off the defeat against Norway, as their attention has shifted towards the confrontation with Saudi Arabia, to ensure the team gets the desired result. With the availability of all key players, Coach Zubair may stick to his usual 4-3-3 formation with more focus on attack and ball possession.

Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga, and Charles Agada have all been booked and will have to play with caution to avoid missing the last group game against the Colombians.

Credit: NFF

The Flying Eagles were unlucky to lose 0-1 to Norway in their opening match of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals on Monday despite dominating play and creating a hatful of chances, particularly in the second period, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.

Norway went ahead after they were awarded a contested penalty in the 9th minute, but the Flying Eagles fought hard to redeem things, only to be denied penalty awards on two occasions in the second half.

Kparobo Arierhi’s left-footed shot inside the box drifted just wide in the 47th minute, with the goalkeeper completely beaten, and in the 63rd minute, Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot inside the box was stopped by the base of the upright.

The two-time silver medallists launched onslaught after onslaught against the Europeans, but Norway had too many players behind the ball in the box and foiled dozens of attempts.

In the 71st minute, the crowd rose to cheer the equalizer, but midfielder Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot from the right rose a little too high, beating the goalkeeper and the crossbar.

Seven minutes from time, the tireless Tahir Maigana cocked the trigger from afar, only to see his effort miss the target narrowly.

The Flying Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the competition on Thursday.

Credit: NFF

The Flying Eagles will head out of the dugout against Norway on Monday at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca for the first time in the history of the tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Two-time finalists in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and in the Netherlands in 2005, the West African giants will be making their 14th appearance in the competition that commenced as the FIFA U20 Youth Tournament in Tunisia in 1977.

On the other hand, their Scandinavian counterparts will step onto the field for only the third time in the history of the championship. This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides at the U20 level. The Flying Eagles are far ahead of the Norwegians, considering their pedigree in this tournament.

Nigeria sealed their qualification to Chile after finishing third, with the bronze medals, during the Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt. Buoyed by their 1-1 draw against host nation Chile and 3-1 win over Australia in preparatory friendlies for the tournament, the Flying Eagles are brimming with confidence ahead of Monday's encounter with Norway. The squad is made up of a blend of homeboys and Europe-based players.

Fortunately, the Aliyu Zubair-led squad will be banking on the experience of team Captain, Daniel Bameyi, and midfielder Daniel Daga, who were part of the immediate past team that reached the quarter-final stage in Argentina in 2023.

The seven-time African champions will aim for victory as they want to kick off their campaign with a win at Estadio Fiscal de Talca on Monday, starting 5pm Chile time (9pm in Nigeria).

Credit: NFF

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have arrived in Talca, Chile, to begin their campaign at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The team, led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, will play all their Group F matches at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, where they will face Norway, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia.

Upon arrival, the players and officials were warmly received by representatives of FIFA and the Local Organising Committee.

The Flying Eagles are lodged at the Hotel Diego de Almagro in Talca, where they will prepare for their upcoming matches.

After a 12-day training camp in Santiago, the team is now focused on their group fixtures.

Nigeria's first match is against Norway next Monday, and the team will look to make a strong impression in the tournament.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have suffered a setback ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with defender Marvelous Freedom ruled out due to a knee injury sustained during training earlier this week, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ikorodu City centre-back's recovery is not expected to be completed within the tournament's timeframe.

In response to Freedom's injury, head coach Aliyu Zubairu has called up Haruna Aliyu, a defender from Wikki Tourists, as his replacement.

Notably, Aliyu was initially dropped from the team just before their departure to Chile's final preparations. Aliyu will now travel to Chile on Friday to join the rest of the team.

The Flying Eagles are set to kick off their U-20 World Cup campaign against Norway next Monday, with Colombia and Saudi Arabia completing the Group F lineup.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nigeria U-17 boys got off on a brilliant start in the WAFU B U-17 championship following an emphatic win over Benin Republic on Wednesday afternoon, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Golden Eaglets ease past the young Benin Republic side 4-1 at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique, Côte d'Ivoire.

George Agha converted a penalty in the 4th minute after Boluwatife Thompson was fouled.

Skipper David Edeh fired a free kick home two minutes later following a foul on Boluwatife Thompson to put Nigeria in cruise control.

George Agha made it three for the Golden Eaglets, turning home a cross from the right-hand side by Sadiq Salihu in 14 minutes. His second of the game.

George Agha completed his hat-trick after some fine work from Boluwatife Thompson before an assist by  David Edeh.

Jeremy Zannou hit a low drive into the net to give Benin Republic a consolation in the 45th minute.

The Golden Eaglets will play Burkina Faso for top spot in Group B on Saturday.

The five-time world champions are chasing another title as the tournament also serves as qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON U17 and the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

Uche Dozie

Tahir Maigana, Orseer Achihi and substitute Charles Agada got the goals in the match played at the Complejo Deportivo Ruca Mapu. as coach Aliyu Zubairu’s boys head into Group F with confidence.

The Flying Eagles drew 1-1 with hosts Chile on Saturday, thanks to an Ahmed Akinyele opener before a 36th-min equalizer.

Up next for the Nigerian team is the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup Group F opener against Norway on Monday at the Estadio Fiscal (Talca) at 9pm Nigerian time.

Followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Colombia.

Uche Dozie

All 20 players of the U17 Boys National Team, Golden Eaglets, to this year’s WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire have scaled the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) hurdles, Nigeriasocernet.com gathered.

The tests were conducted on the players in the early hours of Thursday by the CAF Medical Team.

The Eaglets will play their first match of the competition on Wednesday, 24th September against their counterparts from Benin Republic.

They will also play Burkina Faso in group B. Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger Republic and Togo make up group A.

Credit: NFF