The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the appointments of Manu Garba and Moses Aduku as head coaches of the national U17 and U20 teams, respectively.
The Veteran tacticians return to national team roles as Nigeria targets World Cup qualification at youth level, in September.
The decision, ratified by the NFF Executive Committee, followed recommendations from the federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s youth football structure with experienced leadership.
Manu Garba Returns to Golden Eaglets
Manu Garba, the man who guided Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to FIFA U17 World Cup glory in the United Arab Emirates in 2013, has been handed the reins once again.
Garba, a revered figure in Nigerian youth football, returns to the role he has held on two separate occasions—most recently steering the team to the 2019 U17 World Cup in Brazil.
The coach’s immediate task will be to prepare the team for the WAFU B U17 Boys Tournament, which Nigeria is set to host in September.
The competition will serve as a qualifier for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, a gateway to the next FIFA U17 World Cup.
Moses Aduku Named Falconets Head Coach
The NFF also confirmed the appointment of Moses Aduku as head coach of the U20 girls’ national team, the Falconets, replacing Christopher Danjuma.
Aduku is widely respected in Nigeria’s women’s football circles. He has managed top NWFL clubs such as Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens, and served as an assistant coach with the Falconets during their impressive run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Aduku will lead the Falconets into 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, beginning with a crucial two-legged tie against Rwanda in September.
Official Resumption and Mandate
Both Garba and Aduku are scheduled to officially resume their roles on Sunday, giving them ample time to begin preparations for the challenges ahead.
The NFF expects both men to bring their deep knowledge, technical expertise, and proven track records to bear on their respective teams as Nigeria aims for successful qualification campaigns.
