U20 World Cup: Ladan Bosso targets early quarterfinal qualification from group stage

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria U20 head coach, Ladan Bosso says he has digested his side’s draw and he is eyeing first six points in the group stage to ensure their early passage to the quarterfinal of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina.

The Flying Eagles are scheduled to jet out of the country on the 6 May to Argentina to participate at the FIFA U20 World Cup, where they will engage Brazil, Italy and Dominican Republic in group D of the competition.

The veteran tactician believes the Nigeria U20 team will defeat Dominican Republic and Italy convincingly to amass six points in two matches at the youth championship.

“I’ve seen the draws and digested it based on my own understanding. The most important thing is to have a good start,” Bosso told media.

“If we are playing our first match against Dominican Republic, I think it is important for us to win that match convincingly. If we can do so, I know we can equally beat Italy, because they are beatable as far as the level of my boys is concerned.

“Then if you have six points in two matches, we are already there. Another aspect is the harsher the beginning, the easier the end. I believe anyone that comes out of the Group is a potential finalist.”

When ask about the challenge of facing off with Brazil, Bosso shrugs off the threat, stressing that the Flying Eagles will be well prepared for the task.

“And I believe if we are getting it right from our preparations, then there’s no cause for alarm,” he continued.

“How can I be afraid of Brazil? If we can win our first two matches, then Brazil is beatable. Our target is to win the first two matches, then we go and brush it off with Brazil.”