Head coach of the U20 national team of Nigeria Ladan Bosso sat with OwnGoalNigeria.com editorial chief Mohammed Yusuf Suleiman popularly known as Mowiz and opened up on a lot of things about the team.
Bosso who is preparing the team for the U20 AFCON gave the players a break for the yuletide season after a month of camping in Abuja. The camp will reopen in the first week of next year.
Before embarking on the break, the team played over ten friendly games including three against Nigeria Professional Football League teams in Wikki Tourist, Nasarawa United and Lobi Stars respectively. They won all but the game against Nasarawa United which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The coach speaks on the progress made so far and the areas that still requires strengthening before the start of the tournament in Egypt next year.
On The State Of The Team:
Bosso: We have won all but one of our friendly games but there is still enough room for improvement. In certain areas we still need options to bring about competition but generally we are on track.
Next Step:
We have dropped some players who were part of the WAFU team for poor performance. The ones who replaced them will also face similar fate if their level drops. Things will really hot up in January when we return for the final phase of camping.
Areas Of Concern In The Team:
Bosso: In defence we could do with two or maybe three players with experience and regular football at club level. In attack, there is still space for a free scoring forward. However while you can score a goal from several situations including own goals. In defence you must know how to do it properly, so I see it as more of a concern to me than attack for now.
Foreign Based Players:
Bosso: I have said it repeatedly that I am open to having them in my team. However since they have not been a part of the team from the start, we have to be sure of what they will add to the team meaning they have to be better than what we have. Again, I want only those playing regularly to be considered and so far I have a list of them. They will join in January.
Players Born Abroad:
Bosso: They are Nigerians and I have them in my plans but like the foreign based players, they have to be active and better than what we have at the moment. I am not against having them in my team.
Pressure From Agents:
I am well equipped and experienced to handle it. I am a very open person but I can’t be forced to compromise my hard earned reputation over any individual.
Allegations Of Bribes:
It’s normal for people to say what they like. It won’t deter or distract me from the job of building a solid team for the U20 AFCON. It’s better to let results speak for you. That’s my focus.
Support From NFF:
Bosso: I have it 100 percent. The president of the NFF wants this team to succeed. His passion for this team is shocking and I can’t even deny how excited I am. It’s now on us to deliver.
