Did Nigeria U17 coach Manu Garba reject 15-year-old star linked with Real Betis?

The new coach of the Nigerian U-17 national team, Manu Garba, has snubbed a 15-year-old Nigerian midfielder who has been linked with Real Betis, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku, who hails from Tripple 44 Academy, made headlines as the youngest player in the Golden Eaglets squad during the 2023 U-17 African Cup of Nations in Algeria. 

However, despite being touted as one of the team’s most promising players under Nduka Ugbade’s guidance, he saw limited playing time during the tournament.

Ife, who wore the coveted number 10 jersey during the competition, was reportedly sidelined due to concerns about his physicality at the time. 

Now, a year later, he finds himself once again excluded from the squad, with hopes that a fresh start under new management will give him the opportunity to prove his worth on the pitch.

Despite being the youngest player in Ugbade’s squad at just 14, many observers who witnessed his impressive performance during the U-17 screening believe that he possesses the highest level of football intelligence among all selected players.

As the 2024 WAFU B U-17 tournament in Ghana approaches, Garba faces challenges in finalizing his squad. Following MRI tests, the initial list of 51 invited players has been significantly reduced. 

With time running out, the Golden Eaglets are under pressure to assemble a competitive team for the championship defense, especially after more than half of the first team failed the mandatory MRI age test.

Despite his absence from the squad, there is speculation that Olowoporoku’s skills are sorely needed, especially considering his recent trial with Real Betis. 

This suggests that he possesses qualities that Garba values and could potentially contribute to the team’s success, given his age eligibility.