Coach Abdul Maikaba has come out to say he did not apply for the coaching job of Nigeria’s cadet team, Golden Eaglets.
The Akwa United Coach, Maikaba was confirmed as the head coach of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets at the weekend by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical and Development Committee.
The former Wikki Tourists gaffe will be assisted by the Niger Tornadoes technical adviser, Abubakar Bala, Oluwafunsho Bunmi and Baruwa Abideen as goalkeeper trainer.
Maikaba said he actually applied for the U20 coaching job but will be ever ready to serve the nation in whatever capacity.
“Frankly, I expected the coaching job but never expected to be named as under-17 head coach, I actually applied for the under-20 coaching job.
“However, I will serve my country in whatever capacity she deems me fit.
“Of course, yes, I’m a happy man being assigned the responsibility to handle the under-17 national team.
“I will try my very best to do a perfect work as well as meet the aspirations and expectations of Nigerians.
“Akwa United job will not hamper my work at the national level because I do not work alone, rather as a team in Akwa United.
“I have assistants who understand the innermost part of the working at Akwa United and I can comfortably delegate power and rest assured the work will come out perfectly well.
“If it was to be a case of new persons that would have been a problem, but I work with familiar and trusted men so the continuity will be there.
“So there is absolutely no problem combining both jobs,” said the former Enyimba coach spoke to Brila.net’s Anthony Bekederemo.
Maikaba said his immediate priority is to raise quality players within the age bracket who will go ahead to make the nation proud in future competitions.
“Firstly, my target is to produce players within the age limit who can grow up to play for the other national teams.
“I will strive to qualify Nigeria for the Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations and go ahead to qualify for the Fifa World Cup.
“If we go ahead to win the Nations and World Cup titles that would be added privilege.
“The main target remains to produce quality talents that will progress to play for the senior national team,” said Maikaba.
