Newly appointed Golden Eaglets coach, Abdul Maikaba, has expressed shock over his new role.
Maikaba, the current Akwa United United boss, revealed he actually applied for the Flying Eagles job and not that of the U-17’s.
However, the former Wikki Tourists gaffer, who will be assisted by Niger Tornadoes technical adviser, Abubakar Bala, says he willing to serve his country in any capacity whatsoever.
“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,” the experienced tactician told SuperSport on Monday.
“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.”
On how he intends to fuse working for Akwa and the U-17’s, Maikaba explained that his assistants at club level can always fill his void.
“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.”
Maikaba will be hoping to return the Golden Eaglets to the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, which they failed to make last year.
