Manu Garba returns as Golden Eaglets coach

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board has filled the vacant coaching position of the U-17 national team by re-appointing World Cup-winning coach, Manu Garba.

Garba replaced former international, Nduka Ugbade who was in charge of the team to the last West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) tournament and U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where the team failed to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Garba occupied the same role and won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013.

The 2013 World Cup conquering team under the tutelage of Garba includes Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidiebere Nwakali, Dele Alampasu, and Musa Mohammed.

On their way to winning Nigeria’s fourth world title, the Golden Eaglets defeated Mexico 6-1, drew 3-3 with Sweden, and thrashed Iraq 5-0 in the group stage.

In the knockout stage, the record World champions recorded victories over Iran (4-1), Uruguay (2-0), Sweden (3-0) and clinched the tilt with a 3-0 win over Mexico in the final match.

Garba’s first assignment is at the forthcoming WAFU-B U-17 Championship which will take place in Ghana.