The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reshuffled its youth football leadership, naming Manu Garba and Moses Aduku as head coaches of the Golden Eaglets and Falconets, respectively.
Garba returns to the U-17 setup for a third stint, bringing with him a legacy of continental and global success. The veteran coach famously led Nigeria to the FIFA U-17 World Cup title in 2013 and the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations crown two years later.
“Garba’s track record speaks for itself. He knows the terrain, he has the pedigree, and we trust him to deliver again,” an NFF board member told Observers Times.
The NFF Executive Committee ratified his appointment following recommendations from its Technical and Development Subcommittee. Garba’s immediate task is to prepare the Golden Eaglets for the WAFU B U-17 Championship, which Nigeria is hosting in September.
Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Moses Aduku steps up as the new boss of the Falconets, taking over from Chris Danjuma, who led the team to the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
Currently managing Edo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League, Aduku is no stranger to the national setup. He previously guided Bayelsa Queens and was part of the Falconets’ coaching team that reached the quarter-finals at the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
“This is a huge responsibility, and I’m ready to hit the ground running,” Aduku said shortly after the announcement. “Our target is clear — we want to qualify for the next World Cup and compete strongly.”
Both coaches are expected to officially resume this weekend. While the Falconets prepare to face Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier in September, the Golden Eaglets will be aiming to reclaim West African dominance at the WAFU tournament.
The NFF’s latest move signals a renewed focus on reviving youth football development and strengthening Nigeria’s presence on the continental stage.
