Former U17 World Cup winner Manu Garba returns as Golden Eaglets’ head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Manu Garba as the new Head Coach of the Nigeria Under-17 male national team, also known as Golden Eaglets, Soccernet.ng reports.

In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations youth tournament, Nigeria’s U-17 boys under the guidance of Nduka Ugbade could not impress, dashing their 2024 FIFA U-17 World Cup dreams.

As a result, Ugbade stepped down from his role as the head coach, which made the U-17 coaching role vacant.

However, the former U17 World Cup winner, who previously led the Golden Eaglets to victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2013, to earn Nigeria their fourth trophy as returned as the coach of the U-17 team.

It can be recalled that his successful squad in 2013 included notable players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac Success, Musa Mohammed, Chidiebere Nwakali, Dele Alampasu and a host of others.

Under Garba’s guidance, the team showcased impressive performances, notably defeating Mexico 6-1 in the opening game and securing victories against Sweden and Iraq.

They advanced through the knockout stages with convincing wins against Iran, Uruguay, and Sweden, ultimately clinching the title with a victory over Mexico in the final.

With his rich experience and proven track record, Garba is set to lead the Golden Eaglets in their preparations for the upcoming WAFU B U17 Championship in Ghana next month.

N.B: What are your thoughts about this appointment? Leave your comments below.