'The Boys Understand What Is At Stake' - Nigeria U20 Coach Ahead Of Win-Or-Bust Duel Vs Ghana

Published: December 08, 2020

Nigeria U20s return to action at the ongoing WAFU-UFOA Zone B qualifiers for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations when they take on bitter rivals Ghana at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto-Novo on Wednesday afternoon.

The Flying Eagles conceded right at the death to draw 1-1 with Ivory Coast in their opener on Sunday, leaving them with no room for error against Ghana.

Christopher Nwaeze, Flying Eagles' goalscorer vs Ivory Coast, is suspended for tomorrow's clash after he was shown a red card for a second bookable offense in the draw with Les Petits éléphants.

Manager Ladan Bosso has explained why his side surrendered their one-goal lead in their last outing and is optimistic that his boys will make it to the U20 AFCON proper.

"I thought we did enough to pick up the three points against the Ivorians but we lost concentration towards the tail end of the game and were punished for it," said Bosso.

"We controlled the game for most parts and should have won but the red card destabilised my boys and put us out of sync tactically.

"The clash with Ghana will be tough but we are ready. The boys understand what is at stake and I have confidence they will do the nation proud.

"Our target here remains the same: winning the tournament and qualifying for the CAF U20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania."

Nigeria have won the Africa U20 Cup of Nations seven times, three more than the second most successful nation in the competition, Egypt.

Ferdinand Mbum