Manu Regains U17 Job After Initial Rejection

Manu Garba had to
fight tooth and nail to be named new Nigeria U17 coach after he had first rejected the post, it has been specially learnt.
It was gathered that Manu first told the NFF executive committee he was not interested in dropping down from the U20s to the Golden Eaglets.
But it seemed it was an impulsive response to his demotion and after he spoke with some top NFF officials, he later reach out to the NFF technical committee chairman, Chris Green, to say he will now take up the new role.
Green will tell Manu that his new position was “too late” as the NFF have moved swiftly to get his replacement.
Top NFF officials will later sound out Wikki Tourists coach Audu Maikaba.
They would even tell him who will be his assistants.
However, Manu continued to press for his re-instatement, calling on several top officials to reconsider him for a post many have considered belittling for a man who a few months ago was being considered to succeed Stephen Keshi as Eagles coach.
And so in another dramatic volte face, the NFF announced Manu as head coach of the Golden Eaglets late on Thursday.
Manu will now be assisted by Atuni Ali and Ernest Teigpanyo.
The Golden Eaglets will in a few months begin the qualification series for the 2017 African U17 Championship, which will be hosted by Madagascar.
Manu Garba had to fight tooth and nail to be named new Nigeria U17 coach after he had first rejected the post, it has been specially learnt.
It was gathered that Manu first told the NFF executive committee he was not interested in dropping down from the U20s to the Golden Eaglets.
But it seemed it was an impulsive response to his demotion and after he spoke with some top NFF officials, he later reach out to the NFF technical committee chairman, Chris Green, to say he will now take up the new role.
Green will tell Manu that his new position was “too late” as the NFF have moved swiftly to get his replacement.
Top NFF officials will later sound out Wikki Tourists coach Audu Maikaba.
They would even tell him who will be his assistants.
However, Manu continued to press for his re-instatement, calling on several top officials to reconsider him for a post many have considered belittling for a man who a few months ago was being considered to succeed Stephen Keshi as Eagles coach.
And so in another dramatic volte face, the NFF announced Manu as head coach of the Golden Eaglets late on Thursday.
Manu will now be assisted by Atuni Ali and Ernest Teigpanyo.
The Golden Eaglets will in a few months begin the qualification series for the 2017 African U17 Championship, which will be hosted by Madagascar.