Nigeria U17 coach Manu Garba has emphasized that the Golden Eaglets get-together has yet to start, contrary to reports in the local media that the team has already begun preparations in Abuja.

Indeed Garba was only at the FIFA Goal Project to run the rule over the Nigeria U15 team and the schoolboys are in camp for a one-week camp which started on Monday.

The Nigeria U15s are coached for this sole purpose by coach Haruna Ilerika and assisted by Bunmi Haruna.

''From what I have seen on ground, I am impressed by the midfield and attack,'' said Manu Garba.

''No,we cannot say the Nigeria U17 camp has opened because I and my assistants ant have gone round the country to select the team that will do the proper qualifiers.

''That not withstanding we are going to take some of these boys I have seen, give them chances to fight for positions in the team we are going to assemble. They are young, they are good.

''No I can't say we are going to categorically build the team around them. I believe some of them will make the team.''

Asked when the Nigeria U17s will start camp for the African zonal qualifiers, Manu answered : ''I have submitted my training programme, we are just waiting for the go-ahead from the NFF and I believe by next week we may open the camp.''

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : thenff.com