Former Golden Eaglets player, Kingsley Udoh, has lauded the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for appointing Manu Garba as the coach of the national Under-17 team.
Udoh, who was part of the 2007 FIFA Under-17 World Cup-winning squad, praised Garba’s experience and temperament, stating that he is well-suited to lead the team and unearth new talents for Nigeria.
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Reflecting on his own experience as a player under Garba’s coaching in the 2007 tournament, Udoh emphasized the pivotal role Garba played as an assistant coach to the late Coach Theophilus Yemi Tella.
Despite Tella’s health challenges at the time, Garba took on significant responsibilities in guiding the team to victory.
“Coach Manu Garba, being given the baton as the coach to take over the Under-17, it’s a very good one because he has the experience and everything it takes for a better Under-17,” Udoh remarked.
“It was 2007 in Korea. Coach Manu Garba, being the coach then, was the assistant coach to our late coach, Coach Theophilus Yemi Tella.
He played an important role in the winning of the World Cup then. He played an important role because our late coach, Coach Theophilus Yemi Tella was not too healthy.
He took responsibility for the team upon himself.”
Udoh’s endorsement of Garba underscores the confidence in the NFF’s decision to entrust him with the coaching role for the Under-17 team.
With Garba’s wealth of experience and past successes, there is optimism that he will continue to uphold the standards of Nigerian youth football and contribute to the development of future talents.
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