Beating Mexico Again Will Be the Best Moment of My Coaching Career, Says Garba.

Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba has set his sights at lifting the Fifa U-17 World Cup trophy when his side battles Mexico in the final match of the ongoing competition.

According to a press statement released by the team’s media officer, Morakinyo Abodurin, in Abuja on Thursday, Garba said there is an extra motivation in winning the trophy and it will be his greatest honour.

“In 2007, when I was an assistant coach, Nigeria won the trophy. The team has played the best football since we started this journey.

“At this tournament, the players have shown the whole world the stuff they were made of because they have put everything into the competition so far.

“These set of players are playing total football. Of course I have won this trophy before, beating Mexico on Friday will be the best moment of my coaching career.

“None of the players I brought here play in the Nigerian domestic league, the technical crew with me had to groom them from the scratch,” Garba said.

“I thank God that they have not let us down and am hoping that the Nigeria government will motivate them to do more.”

Coach Manu Garba.
Coach Manu Garba.

The Golden Eaglets thrashed Mexico 6-1 in their opening Group F match on October 19. The coach is aware of the revenge factor and has said Nigerians should not expect a one-sided encounter on Friday.

“Mexico will be looking for revenge, but we are going to win this match because we want to set the record as the best team in the world at this level.

“We respect Mexico for what they have been able to do at this World Cup, but our prayer is that God will crown our efforts on Friday,” Garba added.

The match will be played at the Abu Dhabi stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 5pm (Nigerian time)