Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have started their WAFU B preparation with a 62-player screening group in Abuja. Head coach Uwejamomere Eboboritse named five goalkeepers, 18 defenders, 20 midfielders and 19 forwards as the programme begins ahead of the October tournament.
The long list is not a final squad, and that is the point. It gives the staff a wide enough group to assess technical quality, fitness and the mix of players who can work within one age-grade identity. Emmanuel Dada, Usama Salisu and Johnny Kelvin are among the goalkeepers called, while Rangers’ Tochukwu Muoneme and a spread of academy players have opportunities in the outfield.
The NFF said the staff will begin “the arduous task of building another world-champion squad”. That line deserves patience rather than hype. Nigeria’s history at this level creates expectations, but a productive camp is measured first by clear selection standards and a group that can handle tournament football.
The list also shows why the WAFU B tournament matters for the domestic development pathway. Players have come from clubs and academies across the country, including Beyond Limits, Ranchers Bees, Supreme Kings, Gbagada and Rangers. The camp is a chance to test those separate environments against one shared national standard.
Supporters will want a final list quickly, but the more useful early question is whether this screening produces balance across the pitch. Which position should Nigeria prioritise most when the Golden Eaglets squad is reduced?
