Nigeria’s U-20 Head Coach Ladan Bosso has revealed he places development above winning the U-20 AFCON title in Egypt.
Despite watching his charges bow 1-0 to Senegal in it’s first game of the 2023 U-20 AFCON in Egypt, Bosso is confident his boys can go past Egypt and Mozambique to reach the knock-out round.
WAFU B Champions Nigeria arrived Egypt as one of the favourites for the title or in the minimum, a World Cup ticket. This targets are in danger following Saturday’s loss to Senegal.
In his post match reaction, Ladan Bosso said ” Nigeria has won it (the competition) seven times, but it is not all about winning; it is about development.”
“I want to believe that at the end of the competition, about three or four players should be promoted to the Super Eagles. If it happens, then I will know that I have worked,” he added.
Bosso is confident his players can still reach the next round with better performances “I trust the team and their ability to qualify for the next round, and I believe if we can have a change of attitude, we can achieve our World Cup goal. “
Against Senegal on Sunday, the Flying Eagles were the better side, bossing possession but failed to get the right connection in attack to produce goals.
“We failed to take our chances, particularly in the first 15 minutes of the game, they had their chance in the last 15 minutes of the first half, and they took it,” Bosso explained.
“We need to work on finishing our chances, and defend well because that is what they did, scored late in the first half, came back, and defended their goal,” he noted.
On Wednesday February 22, the Eagles will take on hosts Egypt. The young Pharaohs on their path laboured to a barren draw with Mozambique in the opening game of the tournament.
