Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba says he is satisfied with his team’s preparations for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Cote d’Ivoire, while making clear that no player’s place in the squad is guaranteed.

Speaking during the team’s build up to the regional tournament, Maikaba praised the level of commitment shown by his players since camp began, pointing to their discipline and daily desire to improve as encouraging signs for the technical crew. He was careful to stress, though, that there is still plenty of work to do, describing WAFU B as a consistently competitive tournament where every participating nation arrives determined to qualify.

The former Akwa United coach outlined the specific areas his staff are focused on ahead of the tournament, citing tactical discipline, decision making in key moments, fitness levels, and overall team understanding as priorities, and describing improvement as an ongoing process rather than a fixed target.

He also warned that comfort has no place in the squad at this stage, insisting every player must continue earning his spot through hard work, consistency, and dedication, and reminding the group of the responsibility that comes with wearing the Flying Eagles jersey. Summing up the mission, he said simply, “our objective is clear, to build a team that Nigerians will be proud of.”

Nigeria’s goal at the tournament is to qualify for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, with Maikaba expressing confidence that his squad has the quality to keep progressing if the players stay committed to the process.