Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba has declared that winning is part of the Nigerian DNA and his young team would, has a result, aim to win a trophy Nigeria has lifted a record five times.
Garba, who won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Championship as head coach of Nigeria, is currently in Brazil with the Golden Eaglets for the 18th edition of the Championships and has revealed his boys' readiness to challenge yet again for the title they recently one in 2015.
“Everyone should get ready to see a fantastic Nigerian team that play great football and have the trophy in their sights,” coach Manu Garba confidently told FIFA.com.
“Ecuador, Hungary and Australia are undoubtedly strong teams that we respect, but we are record-breaking world champions and I was involved in two of our title wins.”
Garba is a proven veteran at this level, having also served as coach Yemi Tella’s assistant when the Golden Eaglets ruled the world in 2013.
“The will to win every game is part of the DNA of every Nigerian team, and my team here in Brazil is no exception,” he said.
Samson Tijani is the captain of the team in Brazil and he revealed that he, together with his teammates, believes in the abilities of the coaches to lead them to glory.
“Our country’s previous success does not place any pressure on our shoulders at all,” Tijani said.
“But the world is naturally expecting a great deal from us, and I’m confident that we’ll be able to follow in the footsteps of our predecessors.
“Our coaches have so much experience – not just Garba, but also his assistant Nduka Ugbade, who led Nigeria to the title for the first time as captain in 1985. They know exactly what we need to do to finish the tournament as champions.”
