Nigeria's U20 head Coach Ladan Bosso celebrates with his players. Credit | Twitter (CAF_Online)
It will be a winner takes all situation when Nigeria and Uganda clash, Today, in their quarter-final fixture at the U20 AFCON tournament.
The FIFA U20 World Cup qualification is at stake and that achievement is a more tangible goal than dream about the winning the AFCON title at the time.
Nigeria have won their last two games, but they come up against a side yet to taste defeat in this tournament, and are showing the form of a dangerous team to come up against in knock out rounds.
It’s no longer a matter of points, it’s now a matter of qualification and the price is clear, win this round and be assured of place at the FIFA U20 World cup in Indonesia.
Ladan Bosso has come under intense scrutiny in this tournament, with questions around the team’s style of play and direction, but game after game the Flying Eagles have improved on their shortcomings – attacking coordination – and stayed steadfast in their area of strength – the defence.
The little glimmer of hope in the team’s progress so far had the solidity in defense, Bosso’s Flying Eagles have conceded just one goal in three matches and a LB has been the best player of the side.
However, Nigeria are favorites and will be under pressure to deliver, but, Ladan Bosso is an all too familiar situation and must steer the ship towards success – seal World Cup qualification first then aim for the AFCON tournament.