‘Our fate is in our hand’ – Ladan Bosso leaving nothing to chance against Mozambique

Head coach of the Nigeria U20 men’s team, Ladan Bosso insists his Flying Eagles team will not underate Mozambique in the final Group A tie of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ismailia on Saturday.

After bouncing back to winning ways with a 1-0 win against the host nation, Egypt, the seven-time champions will have to avoid defeat in their last group game to keep their quarterfinal qualification alive.

Bosso says Mozambique will be no pushovers and should never be taken lightly.

“Mozambique is not a pushover team because I saw their match against Egypt. They played well and they’re determined so we don’t want to take chances. We have to go all out to get the maximum points,” Bosso told media.

“The first match against Senegal we had an edge to win that match but Senegal took the lead and the second match against the hosts Egypt was a very technical team.

“The win over Egypt has kept the nerves down and the boys can now focus on playing their game; the way we know they can play.  We must stamp our authority on the game from the beginning as we have no idea what will happen in the match between Egypt and Senegal.

“Our fate is in our hands. Normally when you’re going for tournaments like this you have to work on the set pieces because these are areas where if it’s tactically done you can get easy goals from them. Set pieces have continued to be one of our assets in getting goals,” he concluded.

On his part, Solomon Agbalaka who scored the important goal to beat the Young Pharaohs in the second match is prepared to go until the very last to help the team achieve its priority, which is to qualify for the World Cup.

“We are prepared for every match, and we have no pressure, we just go and give our best,” the defender said at the press conference.

“I think the last game of the group stage we’re coming for a win tomorrow. It is very important to have goals from all departments of the team.”