U20 World Cup: Ladan Bosso explains rationale behind Nigeria squad selection

By Wale Mustapha

Head Coach of Nigeria’s U20 men’s national team, Ladan Bosso has explained the choice of players selected for the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup that will kickoff next week in Argentina.

Nigeria will be making its 13th World Cup appearance at the U-20 level with their best ever finish came in 1989 and 2005 where they ended as runners up.

Coach Bosso who is leading another set of Nigeria U20 squad to World Cup after his 2007 outing and has named his final 21 players  for the mundial, with some notable names missing.

The former Bayelsa United coach said the selection was in the best interest of the country just he promised that the team would excel in Argentina.

We pick players based on national interest,” Bosso told NigeriaInfo.

“There is no time for hanky-panky, Onuche is my boy whom I adopted but when it comes to the interest of Nigeria, we have to pick the best.

“Now, Onuche and Eletu (Victor). Eletu is a very versatile player, even in his club. So, you can’t compare them. If you’re confident in me, you should be confident of my team.”

Nigeria was paired in what was called a tough group that consists of Italy, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic.

The Flying Eagles were eliminated in the Round of 16 following a 2-1 loss to Senegal during their last outing in 2019 held in Poland.