Coach of the U17 team of Nigeria Manu Garba has responded to reports about the invitation of young West Ham goalkeeper Daniel Jinadu to the camp of the Nigerian team ahead of their campaign at the World Youth Championship.
Jinadu according to several reports has been called to the Nigeria U17 team after pledging his allegiance to Nigeria who are searching for options in goal for the team ahead of the World Youth Championship.
Speaking to Owngoalnigeria.com from his base in Gombe, the coach admitted that the team need more options in goal same as in every position even though he is satisfied with the goalkeepers at his disposal now.
” We have some talented goalkeepers in the team meaning anybody coming into the team has to be better than the options we have at the moment. It’s the same for every position “, Garba told Owngoalnigeria.com.
Speaking specifically on Jinadu, the coach explained that no formal invitation was sent to the goalkeeper from his coaching crew but said the shot stopper is free to come to camp and try out with the other lads for a spot.
” We didn’t invite him (Jinadu) formally but our doors are always open. Normally people approach either my technical crew or the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) and recommend players. Through that means we have gotten some boys.
” To be fair, we’ve already played two tournaments with these set of players and they are going to form the bulk of the team but new players are welcome particularly if they are better than the ones we have”.
