The Nigeria Football Federation has recently announced the reappointment of Manu Garba as the head coach of the Nigeria U-17 male national team, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
The role was previously occupied by Nduka Ugbade, who stepped down after the subpar performance of his team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations youth tournament.
It would be recalled that Garba occupied the position in 2013, leading the Nigerian U-17 team to victory in a World Cup tournament held in the United Arab Emirates.
During Garba’s tenure as head coach in 2013, the Golden Eaglets showcased their dominance on the global stage, with future stars such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac Success, and others.
Meanwhile, some football fans may not know who the new Golden Eaglets’ coach is and his profile as a head coach.
Soccernet.ng highlights 10 things to know about the new head coach of the Nigeria U17 team.
1. Manu Garba is a multiple FIFA U17 World Cup winner, having achieved success as a coach.
2. He was born on December 31, 1965.
3. He hails from Gombe State, Nigeria.
4. Garba is fluent in English and has basic proficiency in Arabic.
5. He has extensive playing experience, including stints with Elkanemi Warriors Maiduguri, Flying Eagles, Green Eagles, Kano Pillars, Combe United, and BCC Lions Gboko.
6. As a football manager, Manu Garba has won numerous honors, including multiple FIFA U17 World Cup titles and AFCON U17 Gold.
7. He has also achieved success at the youth level, winning titles such as the Glo/LMC Super Six Tournament Gold, Pepsi International U17 Tournament Gold, and Umbro International Football Tournament Gold.
8. Garba holds educational qualifications such as WAEC, BA Hons, Diploma in Coaching Football, CAF A Licence, CAF B Licence, and FIFA win in Africa with Africa Coaching Course.
9.Garba has been honored with national distinctions, including Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
10. Currently, Garba serves as the Technical Director of Mailanlarki Care Football Academy.