Nigeria await CAF decision on additional U-20 AFCON slot

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are preparing for the possibility of securing an additional slot at the 2026 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria’s coach, Abdul Maikaba, said he is already working on player selection and addressing the team’s shortcomings should the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approve the request for an extra place.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has written to CAF, seeking an additional slot for the WAFU B zone at the continental tournament. The request proposes that both finalists of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeria and Burkina Faso, be allowed to participate.

The NFF 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 hosting the 2026 edition, Nigeria is asking CAF to extend similar consideration to WAFU B. Nigeria lost twice to Burkina Faso during the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, including a disappointing 4-1 defeat in the final in Yamoussoukro.

Maikaba, however, believes the team could benefit from another opportunity.

“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.”

Maikaba spoke in Owerri after Bayelsa United, whom he also coaches, suffered a 3-0 defeat to Heartland FC in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.