National Teams
U17 WAFU-B Qualifiers: Garba Manu concerned by limited time for player scouting
By Saheed Afolabi
Garba Manu, head coach of the Nigeria U17 team, has voiced his frustration over the restricted timeframe available for scouting talented players for the Golden Eaglets.
Returning to familiar ground after guiding the team to a triumphant first-place finish at the 2013 U17 FIFA World Cup, Manu is determined to lead the squad to success once more.
Despite the challenges posed by the abbreviated scouting window, the newly appointed Nigeria U17 gaffer remains bullish about the team’s prospects, setting their sights firmly on qualification for the AFCON, which he identifies as their primary objective.
“The time frame leading up to the WAFU tournament is certainly tight, but I am confident that we can assemble a formidable team capable of securing qualification for the AFCON, which is our top priority at the moment,” remarked the 58-year-old tactician, as quoted by Totori News.
Acknowledging the constraints of time, Manu revealed plans to identify potential talents primarily through a series of friendly matches. He emphasized the importance of ensuring selected players fall within the appropriate age bracket, citing the example of Taiwo Awoniyi, who rose through the ranks despite initially not being part of the squad.
“While the window for player scouting may be limited, our friendly matches offer an invaluable opportunity to unearth hidden gems,” Manu explained. “Players who impress will undergo MRI scans to confirm their eligibility and compete for spots in the squad.”
Drawing from past experiences, Manu highlighted the success stories of players like Taiwo Awoniyi, who defied the odds to earn their place in the team. Awoniyi’s journey from obscurity to prominence, now representing Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, serves as a testament to the potential awaiting undiscovered talents.
With the U17 WAFU B tournament looming in May, the Golden Eaglets prepare to defend their crown, poised to overcome the challenges and emerge victorious once again on the regional stage.
