Nigeria’s U17 national team coach, Manu Garba, has invited three players from the Gombe U17 Selected side to join the Golden Eaglets camp following their impressive showing in Abuja.

Most of the Gombe U17 Selected team players were assembled from the 65 teams that participated in the Gombe State League One, which will conclude on September 7, 2025.

Sponsored by Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, the team embarked on a friendly tour to Abuja, where they first lost 2-1 against Virtual Football Academy on Friday morning. They then defeated Mailantarki Care FC 2-1 later in the evening, before holding the Nigeria U17 national team to a goalless draw on Saturday. Their outstanding performances caught the attention of Coach Manu, who handpicked three of their standout players for further assessment.

The invited players are Meshek Lamelah of Gombe United feeder team, Abdulrahaman Baba (China) of Doma United, and Abdullahi M. Bello from Mailantarki Care FC.

Hon. Mailantarki not only sponsored the team’s trip but also funded their mandatory MRI scans, which will determine if the players are eligible to join the national camp. Their invitations remain subject to passing the MRI test.

Gombe State FA Chairman, Yakubu Sarma, who has continuously championed opportunities for young talents, coordinated and planned the friendlies to ensure that players from the state gain exposure.

He thanked Mailantarki for supporting the team and coach Manu Garba for accepting to give these players the opportunity for trials. 

The team was led to Abuja by Gombe United Team Manager, Ishaya Usman, with support from coach Mustapher Babadidi, Nura Labaran and Auwal Kawuwa (David).