Osimhen, Ndidi, Finidi vie for honors

Nigeria Pitch Awards

Editor

-

May 16, 2024

0

Tenth Nigeria Pitch Awards: Obasogie, Ajibade, and Soname are also in the running

Wilfred Ndidi

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards are set to take the ‘uncommon transformation’ city of Uyo by storm with the tenth edition of Nigeria’s longest-running football awards scheduled for Saturday, 8^th June at the Ibom Meridien Hotel and Resorts.

President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Phillips said during the week that his team is packaging a show-stopper of an event to mark one decade of an interesting project that has continued to gain strength and relevance on the pillars of authenticity, transparency, and credibility, and which is endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a memorable tenth edition of the awards. All is set, and we are heading to Uyo to put up a super-show and to mobilize resources within our capacity to support the Super Eagles to victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa on Friday, 7^th June.

“I want to use this opportunity to deeply appreciate the NFF, the Super Eagles, all our friends, enablers, affiliates, and commercial partners, for their support over the past 10 years, and to promise that the values of transparency, integrity, and credibility will never depart from the Nigeria Pitch Awards.”

Already, nominees have emerged in the 18 award categories, with the winners to be unveiled at the Ibom Meridien on the night of Saturday, 8^th June. The award categories include Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Striker of the Year, Queen of the Pitch, King of the Pitch, Sam Okwaraji Award, Football Pitch, Football-Friendly Governor, Corporate Sponsor, alongside several honors for media representatives.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)

Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK)

Midfielder of the Year: Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC)

Striker of the Year: Robert Mizo (Bayelsa United); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Queen of the Pitch: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)

King of the Pitch: Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Emeka Obioma (Enyimba FC); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Team of the Year: Super Falcons; Enyimba FC; Remo Stars

Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Finidi George (Enyimba FC); Randy Waldrum (Super Falcons)

Sam Okwaraji Award: Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Ahmed Musa; Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars)

State With The Best Grassroots Football Development Programme: Edo State; Delta State; Lagos State

Football Pitch of the Year: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos; Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

Football-Friendly Governor of the Year: His Excellency Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State); His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State); His Excellency Godwin Obaseki (Edo State)

Corporate Sponsor of Football: Bet9ja (Sport Betting); GTI (Financial Services); MTN (Telecom)

Sportsmanship Award: Hon. Kunle Soname (Proprietor, Remo Stars); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC); Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye (Chairman, NPFL Board)

Football Journalist of the Year (Print): Christian Okpara (The Guardian); Charles Diya (New Telegraph); Johnny Edward (Punch Newspapers)

Football Journalist of the Year (TV): Miyen Akiri (TVC); Mozez Praiz (SuperSport); Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV)

Football Journalist of the Year (Radio): Olawale Adigun (Mainland FM); Yinka Oyedele (Brila 88.9 FM); Anthony Bekederemo (Brila 88.9 FM)

Football Journalist of the Year (Online): Samuel Ahmadu (Savid News); Tobi Adepoju (Oganla Media); Kunle Solaja (sportsvillagesquare.com)

Nigeria, South Africa set for toe-poke

Africa FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Editor

-

May 15, 2024

0

CAF appoints Chadian official as referee for Super Eagles versus Bafana Bafana Africa World Cup qualifying battle

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Chadian official, Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will be in the center when the Super Eagles host South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo next month.

Mahamat, 38, became an international referee 12 years ago and has officiated in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions. He was also a referee at the 34^th Africa Cup of Nations held in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.

Mahamat will work with Sudanese official Mohammed Ibrahim Abdallah (assistant referee 1), Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro from Sao Tome & Principe (assistant referee 2), and compatriot Pousri Armi Alfred (fourth official) at the encounter that will commence at 8 pm Nigeria time on Friday, 7^th June.

Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela from Egypt will serve as the referee assessor while Ghanaian Munkaila Nassam Adam will be the commissioner for the Day 3 clash.

CAF has also appointed Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, 43, as the referee for the Day 4 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan. That match will kick off at 4 pm CIV time (5 pm Nigeria) on Monday, 10^th June.

An icon of refereeing on the African continent, Bamlak Weyesa will work with compatriots Temesgin Samuel Atango (assistant referee 1), Tigle Gizaw Belachew (assistant referee 2) and Tewodros Mitiku (fourth official). Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria will be the referee assessor. David Yameogo from Burkina Faso will serve as the commissioner, and Ivorian Claude Elloh will work as security officer.

WAFU B U17: Ghanaian, Nigerien officials for Nigeria, Burkina Faso match

Ghanaian official Adaari Abdul Latif will be the referee for Thursday’s WAFU B U17 Championship group B opener between five-time world champions Nigeria and the Burkina Faso U17 boys at the Accra University Stadium.

Latif will work with compatriot Emmanuel Dolagbanu (assistant referee 1) and Nigeriens Sakina Hamidou (assistant referee 2) and Brahamou Sadou Ali (fourth official) at the game that will kick off at 3 pm Ghana time (4 pm Nigeria time). Latre-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban from Togo will be the commissioner while Ivorian Songuifolo Yeo will serve as referee assessor.

The championship serves as a qualifying competition for next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

WAFU B U-17: Organizers announce officials

WAFU B U-17 Championship

Editor

-

May 15, 2024

0

WAFU B U-17: Organizers announce officials

Ghanaian, Nigerien officials for Nigeria, Burkina Faso match

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Ghanaian official Adaari Abdul Latif will be the referee for Thursday’s WAFU B U17 Championship group B opener between five-time world champions Nigeria and the Burkina Faso U17 boys at the Accra University Stadium.

Latif will work with compatriot Emmanuel Dolagbanu (assistant referee 1) and Nigeriens Sakina Hamidou (assistant referee 2) and Brahamou Sadou Ali (fourth official) at the game that will kick off at 3 pm Ghana time (4 pm Nigeria time). Latre-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban from Togo will be the commissioner while Ivorian Songuifolo Yeo will serve as referee assessor.

The championship will serve as a qualifying competition for next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Paul Okoku Ignites the Flame

Uncategorized

Editor

-

May 12, 2024

0

Why I Back Finidi George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles

By Paul Okoku

As the dawn breaks on a new era for Nigerian football, the announcement of Finidi George as the new chief coach of the Super Eagles reverberates across the nation, stirring a sense of anticipation and hope among football enthusiasts.

While I may not be intimately familiar with his coaching credentials, something about Finidi resonates deeply within me—a sense of confidence emanating from his humble demeanor and echos of his illustrious playing career. This indomitable spirit, reminiscent of the legendary Stephen Keshi, compels me to throw my support behind him.

In the wake of Keshi’s passing, there is a palpable yearning for an indigenous coach to rise to the occasion and carry forward his legacy of success. Like Keshi, Finidi embodies the virtues of resilience and determination, which transcend tactical prowess on the pitch.

As we embark on this new footballing journey, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must extend to Finidi George the same respect and support afforded to his foreign counterparts. Transparent contracts, stipulating payments in US Dollars, and publicly disclosed salaries akin to what obtains in European and American football, are not extravagant requests. Rather, they are essential pillars of a nurturing environment conducive to success.

Additionally, granting Finidi the freedom to handpick his coaching staff and outlining clear roles and responsibilities in his contract is crucial to fostering a supportive and conducive working environment. Furthermore, this agreement must be in place before the coach begins his job, thereby ensuring clarity and commitment from both parties.

Moreover, considerations such as providing a vehicle and assigning a driver and a comprehensive benefits package for the Chief Coach position are necessary to ensure fairness and equality for all coaches, regardless of nationality or race.

By addressing these fundamental aspects, the NFF can uphold the principles of fairness and transparency, setting a precedent for the treatment of indigenous coaches in the footballing landscape.

However, beyond the realm of administrative formalities lies the heart of the matter: Finidi’s ability to inspire and lead. As a tactician with a visionary outlook, he holds the potential to unlock the latent talent within our squad and craft a dynamic, attacking style of play that captivates audiences worldwide.

Crucially, Finidi must balance humility and assertiveness, treating players with the dignity they deserve while instilling a culture of mutual respect and accountability. Only then can he truly harness the collective potential of the Super Eagles and propel them to greater heights on the international stage.

With crucial qualifying matches looming on the horizon, including a much-anticipated rematch against South Africa hungry for revenge, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But as we stand on the precipice of a new era in Nigerian football, let us rally behind Finidi George—the beacon of hope who will guide our team to glory.

Traditional Wisdom:

In our quest for a coach who embodies the virtues of humility, accountability, and respect, we must not forget the legacy of the late Stephen Keshi, who was a no-nonsense leader and commanded respect from homegrown talents and internationally renowned players. His unwavering belief in the potential of home-based players is a testament to the wealth of talent within our shores.

As Keshi once emphatically told me, “Isn’t this country Nigeria of ours that produced the likes of Segun Odegbami, Paul Okoku, Chibuzor Ehilegbu, Yisa Shofoluwe, Adokiye Amesiemaka, Godwin Odiye, Henry Nwosu, Felix Owolabi, Andrew Uwe and Thompson Usiyan?” Indeed, it is time to embrace our indigenous talents with the opportunities they deserve to shine on the world stage.

Federation Cup: North and South East face off

Nigeria Federation Cup

Editor

-

April 18, 2024

0

Federation Cup: North and South East face off

Pillars in flaming war with Rangers in star match of Round of 64

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Last year’s runners-up, Enugu Rangers will go up against Kano Pillars in what is indisputably the pick of the men’s Round of 64 matches of this year’s Federation Cup competition.

At the national draw conducted inside the NFF Secretariat on Thursday, the two former winners were drawn together, with Cup holders Bendel Insurance to face Ogun State flag bearers, Stormers Sports Club.

High-riding Shooting Stars of Ibadan must negotiate for a place in the Round of 32 with Solution FC, while two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC of Aba must overpower Warinje FC from Bauchi, a survivor of the National Play-offs.

In the women’s draw, Cup holders Bayelsa Queens are up against Bright Future Queens, while Rivers Angels will tango with Ekiti Queens and Delta Queens tackle Fortress Ladies.

Last year’s runners-up Rivers Angels confront Ekiti Queens, with Delta Queens clashing with Fortress Ladies and Edo Queens to battle it out with Kada Queens.

At the draw, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau assured that the Federation is committed to restoring the glamour and glitz of the oldest football championship in the land, while also pledging that the integrity of the competition will be maintained all through the men’s and women’s competitions till the Grand Finale.

Also at the draw were NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme; Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Finance and Admin, Babatunde Akinsanya; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; COO, Nigeria National League, Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman; Head of Marketing, Alizor Chuks; Head of Protocol, Barnabas Joro; Head of Women’s Football, Amina Daura; Head of National Competitions, Danlami Alanana; Member, Cross River State FA Board, Barr. Tom Agi; Special Assistant to NFF President, Abubakar Danladi; Special Assistant to General Secretary, Mohammed Ameenu and; Member, NFF Women’s Football Committee, Harry Awurumibe.

ROUND OF 64: MEN’S DRAW

Bendel Insurance (Edo) Vs Stormers SC (Ogun)

Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs Jr. Danburan (Katsina)

Osun United (Osun) Vs EFCC FC (FCT)

Edel FC (Anambra) Vs Discovery Talent FC (Kebbi)

Zamfara United (Zamfara) Vs ABS FC (Kwara)

Kebbi United (Kebbi) Vs Ine Stars (Edo)

Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) Vs Cynosure FC (Ebonyi)

Mighty Jets (Plateau) Vs Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara)

Gombe United (Gombe) Vs Karim United (Taraba)

El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs Adanimogo FC (Ondo)

Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs Delta Marine (Delta)

Shooting Stars (Oyo) Vs Solution FC (Anambra)

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Green Berets (Kaduna)

Coal City (Enugu) Vs Ekiti United Feeders (Ekiti)

Beyond Limits (Ogun) Vs Hammola Int’l (Osun)

Inter Lagos (Lagos) Vs May Frank (Cross River)

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Lautai FC (Jigawa)

Kwara United (Kwara) Vs Rovers FC (Cross River)

Abia Warriors (Abia) Vs Ilaji FC (Oyo)

Sporting Supreme (FCT) Vs PCM FC (Ebonyi)

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs FC Bako (Kobi)

Sokoto United (Sokoto) Vs Ofirima FC (Rivers)

FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom) Vs Fr. Eburuaja (Imo)

Enyimba FC (Abia) Vs Warinje FC (Bauchi)

Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Ekiti United (Ekiti)

Sunshine Stars (Ondo) Vs Jedo Academy (Sokoto)

Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Ikukuoma FC (Imo)

Niger Tornadoes (Niger) Vs Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger)

Katsina United (Katsina) Vs Dutse Strikers (Jigawa)

Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs FC Basira (Nasarawa)

Doma United (Gombe) Vs Gamji Eaglets (Taraba)

Kano Pillars (Kano) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu)

ROUND OF 32: WOMEN’S DRAW

Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Bright Future Queens (Enugu)

Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Suit De Queens (Oyo)

Dannaz Ladies (Lagos) Vs Mighty Jets Mata (Plateau)

Remo Stars Ladies (Ogun) Vs OSKE Leans (Rivers)

Abia Angels (Abia) Vs Castmong Ladies (Ogun)

Naija Ratels (FCT) Vs ON Youth Academy (FCT)

Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs GoldenSun FC (Bayelsa)

FC Robo Queens (Lagos) Vs Onimang FC (Ondo)

Kwara Ladies (Kwara) Vs Ahudiya Nnem Queens (Abia)

Delta Queens (Delta) Vs Fortress Ladies (Edo)

Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Green Foot FC (Enugu)

Plateau United Ladies (Plateau) Vs Honey Badgers (Benue)

Gallant FC (Kaduna) Vs Osun Babes (Osun)

Confluence Queens (Kogi) Vs Delta Ladies (Delta)

Edo Queens (Edo) Vs Kada Queens (Kaduna)

Ekiti Queens (Ekiti) Vs Rivers Angels (Rivers)

NFF sets the stage for Federation Cup

Nigeria Federation Cup

Editor

-

April 16, 2024

0

National Draw of 2024 competition to be held on Thursday

Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The National Draw for the men’s and women’s versions of this year’s Federation Cup competition will take place on Thursday, 18^th April 2024 at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja.

Already, the field for the national competition in the men’s draw has been trimmed to 64 following last week’s Play-off matches that saw the elimination of Classic FC of Adamawa, Simon Ben Academy of Kaduna, PRO Line of Kano, Crusaders FC of Bayelsa, KC FC of Kogi and Flight FC of Benue State.

From those games, Warinje FC of Bauchi, PCM FC of Ebonyi, Ine Stars of Edo, Zamfara United Feeders, Fr. Eburuaja of Imo, and Gamji Eaglets of Taraba emerged to confirm their slots in Thursday’s draw ceremony.

The men’s competition will begin with a Round of 64 matches, before the Round of 32, and then a Round of 16 dovetailing to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the Grand Finale.

The women’s competition, which has 31 entries, will begin with a Round of 32 games, then the Round of 16, before the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the Grand Finale.

States & Representative Teams (Men Competition)

Abia State: Enyimba FC, Abia Warriors

Akwa Ibom State: Akwa United, FC One Rocket

Anambra State: Solution FC, Edel FC

Bauchi State: Wikki Tourists, Warinje FC

Bayelsa State: Bayelsa United

Benue State: Lobi Stars

Borno State: El-Kanemi Warriors

Cross Rivers State: Rovers FC, May Frank FC

Delta State: Warri Wolves, Delta Marine FC

Ebonyi State: Cynosure FC, PCM FC

Edo State: Bendel Insurance, Ine Stars

Ekiti State: Ekiti United, Ekiti United Feeders

Enugu State: Rangers Int’l, Coal City FC

FCT: EFCC FC, Sporting Supreme FC

Gombe State: Gombe United, Doma United

Imo State: Ikukuoma FC, Fr. Eburuaja FC

Jigawa State: Lautai FC, Dutse Strikers

Kaduna State: Green Beret FC

Kano State: Kano Pillars

Katsina State: Katsina United FC, Jr. Danburan FC

Kebbi State: Discovery Talent Academy, Kebbi United

Kogi State: FC Bako

Kwara State: Kwara United, ABS FC
Lagos State: Inter Lagos FC, Ikorodu City FC

Nasarawa State: Nasarawa United, FC Basira

Niger State: Niger Tornadoes, Niger Tornadoes Feeders

Ogun State: Beyond Limit FC, Stormers Sports Club

Ondo State: Sunshine Stars, Adanimogo FC

Osun State: Osun United, Hammola Int’l FC

Oyo State: Ilaji FC, Shooting Stars

Plateau State: Plateau United, Mighty Jets

Rivers State: Rivers United, Ofirima FC

Sokoto State: Sokoto United, Jedo Academy

Taraba State: Gamji Eaglets FC, Karim United

Zamfara State: Zamfara United, Zamfara United Feeders

States & Representative Teams (Women Competition)

Abia State: Abia Angels, Ahudiya Nnem Queens

Bayelsa State: Bayelsa Queens, GoldenSun Sports Club

Benue State: Honey Badgers

Delta State: Delta Queens, Delta Ladies

Edo State: Edo Queens, Fortress Ladies

Ekiti State: Ekiti Queens

Enugu State: Bright Future FC, Greenfoot FC

FCT: Naija Ratels, ON Youth Academy

Imo State: Heartland Queens

Kaduna State: Kada FC, Gallant FC

Kogi State: Confluence Queens

Kwara State: Kwara Ladies FC

Lagos State: FC Robo Queens, Dannaz Ladies

Nasarawa State: Nasarawa Amazons

Ogun State: Remo Stars Ladies

Ondo State: Sunshine Queens, Onimang FC

Osun State: Osun Babes

Oyo State: Suit De Queens

Plateau State: Plateau United Queens, Mighty Jets Int’l Mata

Rivers State: Rivers Angels, Oske Lean FC

2024 Federation Cup: Play-Off Results

Nigeria Federation Cup

Editor

-

April 12, 2024

0

Nigeria FA Cup competition hots up

By Rasheed Adewuyi

. Classic FC (Adamawa) 0 Gamji Eaglets (Taraba) 0 – Gamji Eaglets triumph 5-4 after penalties

. Warinje FC (Bauchi) 0 Simon Ben Academy (Kaduna) 0 – Warinje FC triumph 3-2 after penalties

. Zamfara United Feeders (Zamfara) 1 PRO Line (Kano) 1 – Zamfara Feeders triumph 5-4 after penalties

. Ine Stars (Edo) 2 Crusaders FC (Bayelsa) 0

. KC FC (Kogi) 2 PCM FC (Ebonyi) 3

. Flight FC (Benue) 1 Fr. Eburuaja (Imo) 2

. Gamji Eaglets, Warinje FC, Zamfara United Feeders, Ine Stars, PCM FC, and Fr. Eburuaja qualify for the Round of 64

Twice floored South Africa is terror stricken

FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Editor

-

April 12, 2024

0

Twice floored South Africa is terror stricken

Ahead of treble clash with Nigeria

*Face of new Nigeria strike terror Victor Boniface haunts South Africa*

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Exactly four months after the Super Eagles bumped them and relegated them to the third-place match of the Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are in jitters as they will face the three-time African champions again in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Uyo.

Only three days ago, the Super Falcons pushed Banyana Banyana, the reigning African champions, off the bus to this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, instead grabbing the ticket to ensure a first appearance at the glamour tournament for the first time in 16 years.

Nigeria’s assured victories in the two fixtures have left the hierarchy of South African football flummoxed, and there is no adequate time to recover or rejig strategies before the Bafana Bafana face the Super Eagles in a Day 3 encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, 7^th June.

With two points from their previous two matches but aware of their hold over Bafana Bafana, the African vice-champions are confident of the three points on the day, which could see them fly to the top of the pool.

On 7th February at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake, the Super Eagles kicked the Bafana to the third-place match of the 34^th Africa Cup of Nations. Despite achieving parity late in the game, the Bafana were cut to size during the penalty shootout, with Nigeria’s South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving two of the kicks by the Bafana.

South Africans’ boasts of bouncing the Super Falcons in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament fixture in revenge ended belly-up with the Banyana failing to score a goal in 180 minutes of action, with the two teams separated by Rasheedat Ajibade’s goal from the penalty spot in Abuja on Friday, 5^th April.

Despite being a point ahead of the Super Eagles in their World Cup qualifying group, the Bafana will fall behind once they face the Super Eagles’ superior strength, skill, and savvy on another Friday in June.

It can be recalled that when the two teams also met at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, at the quarter-final stage, Nigeria triumphed 2-1 in Cairo.

The Super Eagles players are already in the mood to deliver the big punches to Bafana in Uyo in a few weeks. Only on Thursday night, top striker Victor Boniface returned from the injury that kept him out of the AFCON by coming off the bench to score in Bayer Leverkusen’s Europa League quarter-final duel with West Ham of England.

African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen has also been unable to stop scoring for his Italian Serie A side, SC Napoli.

Goalkeeper Nwabali remains in awesome shape, and midfielders Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman shone brightly in Ghana’s defeat in a friendly in Morocco last month.

NFF names Manu Garba Golden Eaglets’ boss

Nigeria Football Federation

Editor

-

April 12, 2024

0

Former Nigeria U-17 World Cup winner Manu Garba given head Coach role of Nation’s U-17 boys, the Golden Eaglets

Manu Garba

By Rasheed Adewuyi

The Board of Nigeria Football Federation has appointed former U17 World Cup winner Manu Garba as Head Coach of the Nigeria U17 boys, Golden Eaglets.

Garba had, in the same role, led the Golden Eaglets to win the FIFA U17 World Cup for Nigeria in the United Arab Emirates in 2013 – Nigeria’s fourth triumph at that stage.

Garba’s world-conquering squad in 2013 included Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac Success, Musa Mohammed, Chidiebere Nwakali and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu.

The squad, which finished as runners-up at the African U17 Championship in Morocco after a penalty shootout defeat by Cote d’Ivoire, defeated Mexico 6-1 in their opening game, drew 3-3 with Sweden and hammered Iraq 5-0. In the Round of 16, they ran Iran ragged 4-1, dispatched Uruguay 2-0 in the quarter-finals and trounced Sweden 3-0 in the semi-finals, before they dislodged Mexico by the same margin in the final to lift the trophy.

The former Nigeria international will now immediately resume the role and take charge of the team’s preparations for next month’s WAFU B U17 Championship, taking place in Ghana.