Can Manu Garba and Moses Aduku ignite Nigeria’s youth teams in 2025?

Big news from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF): two coaching heavyweights are stepping up to lead the nation’s youth squads into a thrilling September.

Manu Garba, the tactical genius who steered the Golden Eaglets to FIFA U17 World Cup glory in 2013, is back as their head coach.

Meanwhile, Moses Aduku, a women’s football maestro with a knack for building winners, takes charge of the Falconets.

With the WAFU B U17 Tournament at home and a 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on the horizon, Nigeria’s young stars are ready to shine. Let’s break down what’s coming and why fans are buzzing!

The Golden Eaglets have a famous legacy, with five U17 World Cup titles, including Garba’s unforgettable 2013 run, where they crushed Mexico 6-0 in the final.

Since then, results have been mixed, think a Round of 16 exit in 2019, 2025 AFCON failure, which Manu was in charge of. But Garba, who also qualified the team for Brazil 2019, knows how to mold raw talent into champions.

• Key Feature: Manu Garba’s attacking philosophy, fast, fluid, and fearless, produced stars like Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi. His return signals a revival of that swagger.

Nigeria hosts the WAFU B U17 Tournament, meaning home crowds in Lagos or Abuja could roar the Eaglets to victory. Expect young prospects to step up under Garba’s proven system.

The Falconets reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, showing grit but falling short of a semi-final spot.

Aduku, who was an assistant coach then, now steps into the hot seat, replacing Chris Danjuma.

• Key Feature: Moses Aduku’s resume sparkles, leading Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens to domestic glory.

His ability to organise defenses and unleash creative attackers makes him a perfect fit for the Falconets’ flair-heavy style.

The September qualifier against Rwanda is a must-win to keep 2026 World Cup dreams alive. Aduku’s experience in high-stakes matches could give Nigeria the edge.

These appointments aren’t just about new faces, they’re about Nigeria reclaiming its youth football dominance.

Garba’s track record screams trophies, while Aduku’s fresh perspective could unlock the Falconets’ potential.

With both teams kicking off their campaigns on Sunday, September’s fixtures are a chance to set the tone for 2025 and beyond.