The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved the appointments of seasoned tacticians Manu Garba and Moses Aduku as new head coaches of the U-17 Boys’ National Team (Golden Eaglets) and U-20 Girls’ National Team (Falconets), respectively.
The decisions followed recommendations by the Federation’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee, and mark a strategic move ahead of key international assignments for both national youth teams.
Manu Garba, a revered figure in Nigerian youth football, returns as head coach of the Golden Eaglets. He famously guided Nigeria to its fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup title in 2013 in the United Arab Emirates, and also led the team to the 2019 U-17 World Cup in Brazil.
Similarly, Moses Aduku, a widely respected name in women’s football, has been named the new head coach of the Falconets, replacing Chris Danjuma. Aduku boasts a strong track record, having managed top sides like Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens with distinction. He also served as an assistant coach during the Falconets’ impressive run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Both coaches will officially resume duties on Sunday, as preparations intensify for crucial tournaments in September.
The Falconets are billed to face Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie, while the Golden Eaglets will compete in the WAFU B U-17 Boys Tournament, which Nigeria is set to host.
