A member of Nigeria’s historic Golden Eaglets squad to the 2003 FIFA U17 World Cup in Finland, Omoh Attah has backed the team’s current coach, Manu Garba to succeed once again.
Read Also: Sporting Lagos Chase First Away Win Versus Katsina United, Durugbor Blows Hot
Garba officially commenced his third tenure as Eaglets’ coach on Wednesday, when screening began in Abuja ahead of the West African Football Union (WAFU) B qualifiers next month in Ghana, and Attah believes it is a step in the right direction.
Although Attah admitted that the time for preparations is short, the former Plateau United of Jos defender reasoned further that Manu Garba will bring to bear on his latest job the experience he gained from handling the all-conquering squad that won the Cadet Mindial at UAE 2013.
Attah, who played alongside John Mikel Obi, Ambrose Vanzekin, Apam Onyekachi, Felix Ogbuke and Chinedu Obasi in the Finland 2003 squad handled by Augustine Eguavoen, added that he believes Garba can achieve success with support from all Nigerians.
He reasoned further that the presence of Eguavoen as the current technical director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also means that Garba will not be short of readily available expert advice, but warned that the Eaglets’ returnee gaffer should ensure he selects the best talents from his screening sessions.
Attah began by declaring his agreement with the appointment of Garba for another stint in charge of the Eaglets, adding: “It’s a welcome development.
“We can see a lot of recent changes in youth football in Africa. With full support, we’ll get the right results from this new team.”
He went on to outline the method of approach that he reckons would ensure Garba wins the WAFU qualifiers, the African U17 Cup of Nations, and the FIFA U17 World Cup this year.
“We should get the best people in to support him and tell him the right things to do. With that approach, the team will really make headway.
“For my own set, Eguavoen was the head coach, with Ladan Bosso, and we did well. The team produced some players who are super stars today.
“I believe this team can do the same. That’s why I think it’s a welcome development,” Attah reiterated.
The former youth international, whose Eaglets’ squad was sent packing from the group stage at Finland 2003 with a toss of the coin, after a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica, concluded with what Garba should do to overcome the short time available for him to build a crack team.
“To be honest, it’s a short time. But, we should be confident in the fact that we have talented players in this country.
“Once they get proper training, I believe they will achieve,” Attah concluded.
