Former youth national team player and coach, Manu Garba has expressed confidence in the ability of the current Flying Eagles’ squad to win this year’s African U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Sports247 reports that, while many Nigerian football analysts and fans are critical of the team’s chances, considering the shaky preparations they went through, heading into the competition that begins on April 27th, Manu Garba insists they have what it takes to return home as champions.
The soft-spoken ex-youth international and crafty tactician, who shot to limelight when he won the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets in United Arab Emirates, admitted it will not be easy, but affirmed his faith in Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side.
Manu rationalised, “Everybody knows there is no minnow any longer in African football, but that does not mean to say Nigeria won’t make it. Nigeria is a team that other African countries will panic when they play against us. It’s important to say our team must be well prepared to face any other team, but I must say that I am confident in this team.”
The former Wikki Tourist of Bauchi gaffer, whose Eaglets’ winning squad of UAE 2013 had the likes of Kelechi Ihenacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Isaac Success in it, went on to predict that Zubairu’s side will pick a ticket to the next Youth Mundial by either topping their group that comprises Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco, or they may settle for second place.
He projected, “I am confident that, whatever happens, Nigeria will come out of that group. If we don’t top the group, at least we’ll come second and qualify for the next stage.”
He, however, conceded that the level of preparations, as well as support from the technical department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and determination on the part of the players, will ultimately reflect on how well the Flyibg Eagles will perform.
“It all boils down to preparations and the readiness of our players. We have the right quality of boys to do it and even win it, but we need to plan well.
“We need to play friendly matches. We also need to know the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents; which I believe the coaches and technical department will assist the team in finding,” Manu reasoned
