Nigeria Football Federation Reinstates Manu Garba as U17 Head Coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially reinstated Manu Garba, a seasoned coach with a remarkable track record, as the head coach of Nigeria’s U17 team. This marks Garba’s third stint in the position, succeeding Nduka Ugbade.

Garba, renowned for guiding the Golden Eaglets to U17 World Cup glory in 2013, steps into his new role with immediate effect. He will spearhead the team’s preparations for the upcoming WAFU B U17 Championship slated to take place in Ghana next month.

The decision to appoint Garba for the third time comes in the wake of the country’s underwhelming performance in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations under the leadership of former coach Nduka Ugbade. With Nigeria failing to secure a spot in the U17 World Cup, the NFF sought a change to rejuvenate the team’s prospects.

Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the president of the NFF, has emphasized the importance of winning trophies at all levels of football, underscoring the strategic shift in coaching leadership.

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The appointment of Garba has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly from former Nigeria U20 star Sunday Abe, who lauded the NFF’s decision. Abe commended Garba’s unparalleled success in identifying and nurturing top-tier talents for the country. He expressed confidence in Garba’s ability to continue discovering future stars with the requisite support and conducive environment.

Garba’s tenure as head coach has been characterized by his knack for unearthing talent, evident in the emergence of players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Francis Uzoho, who have made significant contributions to the Super Eagles.

The focus now shifts to the upcoming WAFU B U17 Championship in Ghana, where Nigeria, under Garba’s tutelage, aims to assert its dominance. The tournament, featuring other West African nations, serves as a crucial qualifier for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, a pivotal stepping stone towards securing a berth in the U17 World Cup in Qatar 2025.

As Nigeria prepares to showcase its footballing prowess on the regional and continental stages, the appointment of Garba symbolizes a renewed commitment to excellence and success. With a rich history of U17 World Cup triumphs, Nigeria seeks to uphold its legacy as a powerhouse in youth football under Garba’s astute leadership.