Former U17 World Cup winner, Manu Garba, has officially been named as the Head Coach of Nigeria’s U17 boys’ football team, the Golden Eaglets, by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
This appointment puts an end to rumours that surfaced two weeks ago regarding his potential selection for the role.
Garba, who previously led the Golden Eaglets to victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2013, is now set to guide the team once again. The 2013 squad, under Garba’s leadership, clinched Nigeria’s fourth U17 World Cup title in the United Arab Emirates.
Some notable players from Garba’s triumphant 2013 squad included Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac Success, Musa Mohammed, Chidiebere Nwakali, and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu.
In their victorious campaign, the Golden Eaglets secured impressive victories, including a 6-1 win against Mexico in the opening match and a 5-0 triumph over Iraq.
Garba’s team also experienced tough challenges, such as a penalty shootout defeat in the African U17 Championship final against Cote d’Ivoire, News About Nigeria reports.
The team holds the record for being the most successful in international football for their age group, clinching a remarkable five FIFA U-17 World Cup titles and finishing as runners-up three times.
Garba’s immediate task will be to prepare the team for the upcoming WAFU B U17 Championship in Ghana, scheduled for next month.
Two weeks ago, there were rumours that the NFF was set to name Garba as the head coach of the Golden Eaglets.
The Federation was reportedly in search of a committed and seasoned coach who would develop young talent and lead them to triumph on the global stage.
A mandatory requirement for the coach was to hold a CAF B License coaching certificate.
