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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are preparing for the possibility of securing an additional slot at the 2026 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations following a request by the Nigeria Football Federation to the Confederation of African Football.
Head coach Abdul Maikaba said he had begun working on player selection and addressing the team’s weaknesses in anticipation of a possible approval of the request.
The NFF has petitioned CAF to grant the WAFU B zone an additional place at the continental tournament, which would allow both finalists of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeria and Burkina Faso, to qualify.
The federation reportedly cited the precedent set at the 2025 U-20 AFCON, when Tunisia was included after Egypt qualified automatically as hosts, allowing the North African zone to field three teams.
With Ghana scheduled to host the 2026 edition, Nigeria is seeking similar consideration for the WAFU B zone.
Maikaba plans changes after Burkina Faso defeats
Nigeria lost twice to Burkina Faso during the WAFU B tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, including a 4-1 defeat in the final played in Yamoussoukro.
Maikaba said he was already reviewing the team’s performance and working on the selection of players to ensure the side would be better prepared if CAF grants the additional slot.
“I have been doing my homework; if we are given that slot, especially in the selection of players,” he said.
“It will be different if we have another chance to play in the competition because I am doing a lot of homework to ensure we do not make those mistakes again.”
The coach expressed readiness to use another opportunity to address the shortcomings exposed during the regional tournament.
Maikaba spoke in Owerri after Bayelsa United, the Nigeria Premier Football League side he also coaches, suffered a 3-0 defeat to Heartland FC in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
The Flying Eagles’ participation in the 2026 U-20 AFCON will depend on CAF’s decision on the NFF’s request for an additional WAFU B slot.
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