Former Nigeria U20 national team coach, Aliyu Zubair, has thrown his weight behind the appointment of Coach Abdul Maikaba as handler of the Flying Eagles, describing him as the right man for the job and capable of surpassing his achievements with the team.
Zubair made the remarks today, Wednesday June 3, 2026, during the Kwara State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Hard Talk programme held at the association’s secretariat in Ilorin.
According to him, Maikaba possesses the experience, discipline and technical competence required to lead Nigeria’s U20 national team to greater heights.
“Coach Abdul Maikaba is a principled person and a very good coach by every standard. He has paid his dues in the game and is being supported by competent assistants. I believe he is the right person for the Flying Eagles and can even surpass my records with the team,” Zubair said.
The former El-kanemi Warriors coach expressed confidence in Maikaba’s ability to guide Nigeria to its first-ever FIFA U20 World Cup title, a trophy that has remained elusive despite the country’s impressive performances at the tournament over the years.
“Nigeria has always been among the strongest teams at the U20 level globally. I believe Maikaba has what it takes to lead the country to win the U20 World Cup, which has eluded us since the competition was introduced,” he added.
While wishing the new coach success, Zubair advised him to remain focused and be wary of undue influence from football agents, managers and scouts.
“He must be careful with agents, managers and scouts. At that level, there will always be pressures from different quarters, but the interest of the nation must come first in player selection and team management,” he cautioned.
Zubair also commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for its efforts in developing football and providing opportunities for capable coaches to serve the country.
He recalled that his appointment as Flying Eagles coach came after his successful stint with El-Kanemi Warriors, where he guided the club to Federation Cup glory.
“The NFF is doing a good job. They gave me the opportunity to handle the U20 team after my achievements with El-Kanemi Warriors. They would not have appointed someone like me if they were not looking for a competent coach, and the same applies to Maikaba today,” he stated.
The experienced tactician, however, urged the federation to sustain and expand its developmental programmes for coaches across the country.
He particularly lauded the federation’s plans to organise CAF B and CAF A Coaching Courses, describing the initiative as a major boost for football development in Nigeria.
“They are doing well, but they can still do more. I must commend them for the forthcoming CAF B and CAF A Coaching Courses. Such programmes will improve the capacity of our coaches and ultimately benefit Nigerian football,” Zubair concluded.
