Former Super Eagles stars back Flying Eagles coach on invitation of Crystal Palace shot-stopper

Former Super Eagles stars, Ike Shorunmu and defender Ifeanyi Udeze have backed Flying Eagles gaffer, Ladan Bosso, on his decision to have new players in his squad ahead of the 2023 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

One of the new kids on the block that Bosso is poised to have in the team is Crystal Palace U-21 goalkeeper of Nigerian descent, Owen Goodman.

The West African Zone B (WAFU) winners in 2022 will face hosts, Egypt, Senegal Mozambique in Group A of the tournament which serves as qualifiers to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.

Goodman was in action in Palace's last U-21 League 2 game against Brighton  Hove which the 'Eagles' won 4-2.

Shorunmu believes that the addition of Goodman in the team is capable of bringing about competition and ensure that the quality of goalkeepers for the national teams are improved.

"I totally support Ladan Bosso if he feels that the young man (Goodman) will improve his team.

"Goodman is young and can only get better. He plays in a competitive environment, so if the coach had seen something special in him, that's fine.

"It could improve the quality of the goalkeeping department because healthy competition is good," the onetime Stationery Stores of Lagos goalkeeper who was in Nigeria's 2002 FIFA World Cup squad co-hosted by Korea and Japan," told Brila FM Lagos on Wednesday.

On his part, Udeze went a slightly different way in his analysis of the goalkeeping needs of the team. 

"As much as I support the invitation of players who are Nigerians from any parts of the world, I really hope to see a blend of home-based players and the players abroad.

"The essence of playing in the domestic league is to get into the national team. What good would it be to play league football at home and not be recognized by the national team selectors," Udeze asked.

The CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt will hold February 19 to March 11, 2023.

Four countries will represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com