Nigeria U17 coach Manu Garba faced the cameras in the wake of his side's 3-1 win on penalties against Ghana in the final of the WAFU-UFOA Zone B qualifiers for the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup winning manager has criticized the Confederation of African Football over their new qualifying format, arguing that almost all the top African countries in youth football, including Ghana and Ivory Coast, have been denied an opportunity to qualify for next year's tournament in Tanzania.
''In the first place, I thank Almighty God for giving us the victory. That not withstanding, Ghana played so well, either side deserved to win but unfortunately it is only one team today,'' Manu Garba said at the post-match press conference attended by allnigeriasoccer.com.
''I must say that the qualification series is not the best for CAF because West Africa is the strength of African football especially at youth level.
''Nigeria have won the World Cup five times, Ghana have won on two occasions, and it is just unfortunate that a team like Ghana, Niger and Ivory Coast are not going to this tournament.
''I think this zone must have to talk to CAF to change this format because it is not good for West Africa. I say congratulations to Ghana, even in defeat it was a befitting final.''
Tanzania as hosts, Morocco, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda and Angola have qualified for the 2019 U17 AFCON.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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