Golden Eaglets' Screening: Manu discovers another Isaac Success!

Barely a week into the screening of fresh players for the 2013 World Cup-bound Golden Eaglets at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, coach Manu Garba has enthused that the objective of the exercise has been partly met with discovering of some budding talents.

The exercise which took off on Monday with 30 invited players amongst others coming to try their luck out has availed the Eaglets’ coaching crew the opportunity to see new talents to boost competition for positions within the team.

Several players have caught the eyes notably Billy Michael Auta who is built in the mould of Isaac Success and proficient in front of the goal post as well as the Golden Eaglets’ striker who was the top scorer with seven goals at the last 2013 CAN Under-17 Championship in Morocco in April.

“I think we are on the right course with the screening of new players for the Golden Eaglets because I believe competition for positions in a team breeds excellent performance from players,” stated Garba who was on the crew that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2007. “My expectation at the 2013 World Cup in the UAE is nothing but victory and we are going to ensure we pick the best players for the country.”

He further defended the rationale behind the screening of new players, revealing that Auta from Kaduna-based El-Cruizero Academy could be another real deal for the Golden Eaglets.
“We have really identified some good players and I’m particularly impressed with Billy Auta because he is as gifted as Isaac Success,” noted Garba. “Some may query why we are screening new players but we know what we are looking for.

“I’m giving opportunity to new players because it was through the same process that we discovered Success who is now the toast of many big clubs in Europe today,”he added.

Meanwhile, Auta has described his experience at the Golden Eaglets’ screening as a real eye opener, saying he would be delighted if eventually shortlisted.

“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the coaches have really taking good care of us,” assured the lad who picked Super Eagles’ striker, Obafemi Martins and David Villa of Barcelona as his favourite players.“ On the pitch, we have learnt new tricks that would further help us and I would be very happy if I’m picked.”