The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially confirmed the return of Manu Garba as head coach of the U17 boys national team, the Golden Eaglets.
The reappointment was ratified by the Federation’s Executive Committee following a recommendation from its Technical and Development Sub-Committee. Garba, one of the most successful youth coaches in Nigerian football history, famously led the Golden Eaglets to victory at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
With extensive experience at youth level, Garba also coached the team at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil and has had multiple stints with the national youth setup, making him a cornerstone of Nigeria’s grassroots football development.
In a parallel development, the NFF also appointed Moses Aduku, current coach of Edo Queens, as the new head coach of the U20 women’s national team, the Falconets. Aduku takes over from Chris Danjuma, who led the team to the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Aduku is a familiar face in Nigerian women’s football, having previously managed Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens, and served on the Falconets’ technical crew that reached the quarter-finals at the 2022 U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Both appointments reflect the NFF’s intent to revitalize its youth programs ahead of key competitions. Garba will begin immediate preparations with the Golden Eaglets for the upcoming WAFU B U17 Boys Tournament, which Nigeria is set to host later this year.
Meanwhile, Aduku and the Falconets will focus on their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Rwanda, scheduled for September. Both coaches are expected to officially resume duties on Sunday.
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