Manu Garba appointed as Head Coach of Golden Eaglets by NFF

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-13 04:00:07

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board has selected Manu Garba, a former U17 World Cup winner, as the new Head Coach of the Nigeria U17 boys’ team, the Golden Eaglets. Garba previously led the Golden Eaglets to victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2013, marking Nigeria’s fourth win at that level. The team he coached in 2013 included future stars such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac Success, Musa Mohammed, Chidiebere Nwakali, and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu.

During the 2013 tournament, the Golden Eaglets finished as runners-up at the African U17 Championship in Morocco, losing to Cote d’Ivoire in a penalty shootout. However, they made an impressive comeback in the FIFA U17 World Cup, defeating Mexico 6-1 in their opening match, drawing 3-3 with Sweden, and securing a 5-0 victory against Iraq. They continued their winning streak by overcoming Iran 4-1 in the Round of 16, defeating Uruguay 2-0 in the quarterfinals, and beating Sweden 3-0 in the semi-finals. In the final match, they dominated Mexico yet again with a 3-0 win, claiming the championship title.

Manu Garba will now step back into his role as head coach of the Golden Eaglets and will be responsible for preparing the team for the upcoming WAFU B U17 Championship, scheduled to take place in Ghana next month. This appointment comes as a recognition of Garba’s past success and experience in coaching young players to achieve greatness on the international stage.

With the support of the NFF Board, Garba will work closely with the players and his coaching staff to ensure that the team is well-prepared for the upcoming tournament. The WAFU B U17 Championship will provide an important opportunity for the Golden Eaglets to showcase their talent and compete against other teams from the region. Garba’s leadership and expertise will be crucial in guiding the team to success and continuing Nigeria’s tradition of excellence in youth football.

The NFF Board’s decision to appoint Manu Garba as the Head Coach of the Nigeria U17 boys’ team demonstrates their confidence in his abilities and his dedication to developing young talent. Garba’s track record of success with the Golden Eaglets in 2013 proves that he has the skills and knowledge necessary to lead the team to victory once again. As they prepare for the WAFU B U17 Championship, the Golden Eaglets will undoubtedly benefit from Garba’s leadership and experience, setting the stage for a successful tournament campaign.

In conclusion, Manu Garba’s appointment as Head Coach of the Nigeria U17 boys’ team is a testament to his past achievements and his commitment to nurturing young football talent. Under his guidance, the Golden Eaglets have the potential to achieve great success in the upcoming WAFU B U17 Championship and beyond. The NFF Board’s decision to entrust Garba with this important role reflects their belief in his coaching abilities and his ability to inspire and motivate the team to reach new heights.