Coach Manu Garba has identified proper preparation, player motivation and stronger institutional support as the key ingredients Nigeria must get right to secure qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar and face another difficult qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament, making the road to 2030 an important target for Nigerian football.
Speaking in an interview with Brila.net, Garba insisted Nigeria possesses enough talent to compete with the world’s best but stressed that ability alone is not enough to guarantee success.
“Nigeria is one of the nations with a battalion of talents. We have the players who can win every game at the World Cup,” Garba said.
“Preparation and motivation are key for us to qualify for the next World Cup.”
The FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach also called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to create the right environment for the national team to thrive.
According to him, providing the necessary support and ensuring players receive their entitlements on time would go a long way in boosting morale within the squad.
“The government also has a role to play by supplying and doing all it’s supposed to do for the team,” he continued.
“The officials should do their jobs well because players are most happy and motivated when treated and paid properly.”
Garba also challenged the players to reciprocate the support by showing greater commitment whenever they represent the country.
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“The players themselves should also play with their hearts for the country,” he added.
Manu Garba has long been an advocate for structured football development in Nigeria, having produced several players who graduated from the youth ranks to represent the Super Eagles.
His latest comments come as Nigeria continues its efforts to strengthen its football structures and build a team capable of competing consistently on the global stage.
Garba believes the Super Eagles have every chance of returning to football’s biggest tournament, provided stakeholders work concertedly.
For him, Nigeria’s qualification ambitions will depend not only on the quality of its players, but also on the level of planning, organisation and commitment shown off the pitch.
