By Gracious Akujobi Newly appointed Chief coach of the Flying Eagles, Garba Manu, has raised the alarm over the exodus of players he led to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year in Dubai to foreign clubs.
Manu had expected that the players would form the core of the soon to be assembled national U-20 team under his tutelage with the assistant of Nduka Ugbade.
Asked about the players who the government directed should be monitored and guided to the next level, Manu stated that he does not know the whereabouts of majority of the players.
He said most of the boys have travelled out in search of foreign contracts adding that only a few of the players bothered to call him to seek his advice before leaving for Europe.
“Those who sought my advice before leaving I know but majority of them I don’t know where they are right now.
“Agents have induced their parents and taken the kids to Europe in search of clubs. It is a situation beyond my control as the parents of the players would not listen to any advice that is contrary to their ward going to earn money abroad.
“It is pathetic but there is not much we can do to salvage the situation” he opined.
Manu said those who are still available would be called to fight for places in the new Flying Eagles adding that Nigeria is blessed with so many talents to worry about building a good team.
