Former Angola and Indonesia U23 coach Roberto Bianchi has thrown his hat into the ring to potentially become the first Spaniard to lead the prestigious Nigerian U-17 national team, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bianchi was, until June 2023, the manager of Ugandan Premier League side Vipers SC, a role he held for only six months before he was relieved because of poor results.
According to a report by Score Nigeria, Bianchi has submitted his application to take the helm of the Golden Eaglets, aiming to bring his wealth of coaching experience to the table for the Nigerian youth squad.
Since the team’s maiden appearance at the U-17 World Cup in 1985, the Golden Eaglets have been under the stewardship of local coaches, marking a tradition that has lasted for nearly four decades.
It was under this indigenous leadership that the team etched its name in football history by clinching the inaugural U17 FIFA World Cup in China and winning four more titles after that.
If appointed, Bianchi would not only break this long-standing tradition but also become the first foreigner to guide the Golden Eaglets.
Bianchi’s coaching journey spans across various continents, with notable stints in Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Jordan, Angola, and Uganda.
Moreover, his expertise extends beyond the touchline, having scouted for esteemed La Liga clubs like Villarreal and Valencia.
Armed with a CAF A license and fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, Bianchi appears well-equipped to tackle the challenges of coaching a diverse team like the Golden Eaglets.
The Golden Eaglets boast an illustrious history in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, having clinched the title a record five times.
Their triumphs in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, and 2015 solidified their status as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Additionally, the Eaglets have twice been runners-up, in 1987 and 2009.
However, the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2023 edition of the tournament proved to be a pivotal moment for the team.
In the aftermath, NFF took the decisive step of parting ways with head coach Nduka Ugbade, signaling a new chapter in the Golden Eaglets’ journey.
