‘I’m not ready’ – Maikaba snubs young sensation Ebenezer Harcourt… Names WAFU B U20 team

Nigeria MNT Under-20 head coach Abdu Maikaba has called up a 35-man squad, without Ebenezer Harcourt, for the upcoming WAFU B Under-20 Championship in July.

The team announcement marks Maikaba’s first major assignment since taking charge of the Flying Eagles, with preparations expected to begin immediately in Abuja.

Maikaba’s roster combines talents from the NPFL, local academies and foreign players.

Sporting Lagos has a strong presence in the squad, while clubs from Spain, Croatia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic are also represented.

In goal, the coach invited Clinton Lawani from Sporting Lagos, Abubakar Rufai from Croatian NK-Istra 1961 and Akwa United goalkeeper Uchechukwu Aloysius.

The defensive unit includes Ayinla Olayomi of Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists defender Abubakar Aliyu and Favor Nkwocha of Morak FC.

Wahab Bolanle Musa of Spanish club FC Malaga, Bonaventure Chiemela of Inter Lagos, Gamagira Umar Suleman of Ranchers Bees, Mathias Azi Yakubu of GBS.

Croatia-based Mutari Momoh, Abdulaziz Musa Ndaman of Mavlon FC and Godwin Samuel of Ikon Allah FC.

In midfield, Maikaba selected Victor Samuel from Sporting Lagos, Oraro Apine from Warri Wolves, Sale Abdulrashid from Ukraine-based Kryvbas FC and Sa’ad Tijjani from Barau FC.

Kano Pillars midfielder Imran Ahmad, Peres Jerem of P Sports, Ayeni Samson of Stormers FC, Habila Simeon Sulai of GBS, FC Rijeka midfielder Simon Karshe Cletus, Auwalu Mohammed of Bichi First FC and Ibrahim Yakubu of Turbo Touch.

The attacking department also boasts some exciting young talents including Katsina United striker Abba Dalli, Forster Academy’s Prince Columbus.

P Sports’ Goodluck Angel, FC Alavés striker Imrana Mohammed, Barau FC’s Adamu Hussaini, Sporting Lagos duo Seun Akanji and Alex Leme.

Shamsudeen Adamu Abdullahi of Capital City FC, Ezekiel Oguchukwu of Mavlon FC, Mus’ab Suleiman of Footwork FC and Peter Pam Davou of Czech club Vitkovice.

Several of the invited players hope that this opportunity becomes their defining moment on the international stage.

Also read: How good can Ebenezer Harcourt be?

The inclusion of young people living abroad also highlights the growing number of Nigerian talents developing across Europe.

For Maikaba, the WAFU B Championship represents more than just another tournament.

It is the first opportunity to shape a new Flying Eagles identity and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition in youth football.

Over the years, the Flying Eagles (seven-time AFCON U20 champions) have produced some of the best footballers in the country, with many of them representing the Super Eagles.

Now, another generation has had the opportunity to carry that legacy forward.