The Nigeria Football Federation Board has named former U17 World Cup champion Manu Garba as the Head Coach of the Nigeria U17 boys, known as the Golden Eaglets. This appointment was confirmed by Ademola Olajire, the NFF's Director of Communications, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.
Garba previously led the Golden Eaglets to victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup for Nigeria in 2013. Some notable players from his 2013 squad include Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac Success, Musa Mohammed, Chidiebere Nwakali, and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu.
Under Garba's guidance, the team finished as runners-up at the African U17 Championship in Morocco, losing in a penalty shootout to Cote d’Ivoire. However, they made a strong comeback by defeating Mexico 6-1 in their opening match.
The Golden Eaglets' impressive run continued as they drew 3-3 with Sweden and triumphed over Iraq 5-0. They proceeded to defeat Iran 4-1 in the Round of 16, Uruguay 2-0 in the quarterfinals, and Sweden 3-0 in the semi-finals.
The team ultimately secured the championship by defeating Mexico in the final. Olajire stated that Garba will immediately assume his new role and lead the team's preparations for the WAFU B U17 Championship, scheduled to take place in Ghana in May.
