Former Flying Eagles coach Manu Garba has warned that Nigeria risks missing another FIFA World Cup if the Super Eagles and the NFF continue to rely solely on the country's abundance of talent without addressing structural issues, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time African Champions failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and then for the expanded 2026 tournament held in North America, thus raising questions over the team's ability to compete at the next edition in four years.
Despite Nigeria's reputation for producing elite footballers across Europe's biggest leagues, Garba believes talent alone will never be enough unless the national team receives the right preparation, motivation and administrative backing.
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Manu Garba warns NFF, Super Eagles
Speaking in an interview with Brila, the FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach insisted Nigeria already possesses players capable of competing with the world's strongest nations, but warned that success at the international scene depends on much more than individual quality.
“Nigeria is one of the nations with a battalion of talents. We have the players who can win every game at the World Cup,” Garba said.
“Preparation and motivation are key for us to qualify for the next World Cup.”
Garba argued that the responsibility extends beyond the players, calling on both the Federal Government and the NFF to create an environment that allows the Super Eagles to perform at their best.
“The government also has a role to play by supplying and doing all it's supposed to do for the team,” the 60-year-old continued.
“The officials should do their jobs well because players are most happy and motivated when treated and paid properly.”
Having coached Nigeria at the U-17 and U-20 levels, Garba also challenged the players to match that commitment whenever they wear the green and white colours of the national team.
“The players themselves should also play with their hearts for the country.”
Garba has long advocated for better football structures in Nigeria, having developed several players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho who progressed from youth football to represent the Super Eagles.
His comments come at a time when the NFF are under a lot of scrutiny for their failure to make efforts to strengthen the national team across all tiers of football.
For Garba, Nigeria's hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup will depend not only on the quality of the squad but also on proper planning, sound organisation and a united commitment from administrators, government and players alike.
With qualification for the 2030 tournament expected to become a major priority after the disappointments of missing out on the previous two editions, the former Flying Eagles boss believes only a holistic approach will ensure the Super Eagles avoid another painful World Cup absence.
