Head Coach of Nigeria’s U-17 national team, Manu Garba, and the team’s Coordinator, Bello Garba Gusau, are set to arrive in Awka, the capital of Anambra State on January 21, for a two-day scouting programme aimed at strengthening the country’s most successful national team, the U-17 Golden Eaglets, Completesports.com reports.
With Nigeria not participating in the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco from 30 March to 19 April 2025, the Nigeria Football Federation appears determined to ensure the country qualifies for the 2027 edition through early preparation.
This marks the first time a screening exercise for potential U-17 national team, Golden Eaglets players will be held in Anambra State.
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Further checks reveal that the two-day scouting programme is a collaborative effort with the Anambra State Football Association, designed to bring the opportunity of playing for the U-17 national team closer to young talents in the state.
Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, informed Completesports.com that the exercise will take place at the Awka City Stadium.
“The aim is to showcase the numerous young talents in Anambra State and give them an opportunity to be part of the U-17 national team,” Iloenyosi stated.
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Iloenyosi, a former Super Eagles and U-23 Olympic Eagles defender, encouraged every eligible player under the age of 17 in Anambra State to participate in the scouting programme.
“Teams and football academies in the state that are affiliated with the FA are also invited to the programme,” he added, while issuing a stern warning against fielding overaged players.
By Sab Osuji
