Bayelsa United Head Coach, Ladan Bosso, may have discovered the ideal combination of players for his Prosperity Boys coaching role, Completesports.com reports.
This newly assembled squad delivered a remarkable performance, clinching a 1-0 victory over Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt, in Sunday’s NPFL Matchday 11 thriller.
Bosso approached Sunday’s clash on a proverbial “keg of gunpowder” after receiving a two-match ultimatum from the Bayelsa State Government prior to the Rivers United encounter.
It was not anticipated by league watchers that the Prosperity Boys would hand Finidi George’s Pride of Rivers their second consecutive defeat of the season.
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Despite fielding what he described as a young team for the impressive away win, Bosso indicated that the players who featured in the match would now form the core of the squad’s first team.
“We’ll continue to build upon this team that came here [to Port Harcourt]. We may adjust the pattern or system, but we’ll stick with the same players. That’s consistency,” declared the former Flying Eagles coach.
Bosso, who previously managed FC Ifeanyi Ubah, among other top domestic league clubs, described Bayelsa United as a “work in progress.”
“This is a team of very young players, and their youthfulness gave us an edge over Rivers United today.
“So, it’s work in progress. I’ll keep working,” he pledged, before revealing his winning formula against Rivers United.
“We used expressive wingers and, maybe, an aggressive attack. For most of them, this is their first season in the league, and you saw what they brought to the game today.
“It’s all about youthful exuberance. In terms of strength, stamina, and pace, I believe we had the upper hand.
“For today, we deployed three natural midfielders, unlike in other matches. This choice was to counter the midfield play of Rivers United.
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“These midfielders are largely unknown players. Look at Pele—he’s young and hadn’t played before this match.
“Then look at the player who came on in the second half, helping us secure the result. We thank God for everything and will continue to work.”
Bosso entered the game facing the threat of dismissal due to the earlier two-match ultimatum.
However, he maintained he was undeterred by the risk of job loss, revealing that he had received continuous encouragement from the Commissioner for Sports, Dr Daniel Igali.
“Ultimatum or not, I’ll keep doing what I know best,” he said.
“Even after the ultimatum was announced, I told the players that people like me are like trees with branches—the success ultimately depends on what they (the players) do.
“Before and after the ultimatum, the Honourable Commissioner [for Sports] called me several times, and he encouraged me, assuring he would be patient with us.
“I was even surprised to see him in the stands during the second half. He has seen things for himself. I’ve always said we need to be patient with this team.”
By Sab Osuji
