Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn in a tough group along with hosts Egypt, Mozambique and Senegal for the 2023 CAF U-20 Cup of Nations.
The Group A matches will be played in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.
The Flying Eagles are seven- time champions of the biennial competition.
Group B has Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Congo.
Games in the group will be played in Ismaila.
Alexandria will host Group C teams; Gambia, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Zambia.
The top two teams in each group will proceed to the quarter- finals,
while two third best losers will also advance.
The four semifinalists will qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be hosted by Indonesia.
The competition will run from February 18 to March 12.
By Adeboye Amosu
4 Comments
God Don catch Nigeria bribing coaches. If una no carry better players go there. Una no go qualify. Anyway nothing concern una. Na national cake una dey share
Ladan Bosso definitely has his work cut out to mastermind safe navigation of the Flying Eagles out of this group of peril.
In this season of goodwill, this group was definitely the worst possible Christmas present Bosso would have expect from CAF.
Egypt and Senegal – powerhouses in African football – and Mozambique, famed giant killers, should present the ultimate test for Bosso’s coaching credentials in the Under-20 Afcon in Egypt.
There are no excuses this time: NFF has actually started preparing the team early enough for this tournament with camp and training commenced well ahead of time.
Despite my apprehension, Coach Bosso remains unperturbed.
“The group is a normal group. Every team that qualifies for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations is hopeful of qualifying for the World Cup”, Bosso said after the draw was made Friday.
“So, whether we are in a tough group or not, if you want to qualify for the World Cup, you must play against the top teams at the Africa Cup of Nations.”
I admire his steely confidence which in truth is in keeping with how Bosso has approached his national team assignments.
The veteran Under-20 tactician already has Under-20 Wafu gold and Under-20 Afcon bronze in his resume. He qualfied the Flying Eagles for two world cups in the past and is now gunning for his hattrick of world cup qualifications.
“Our priority is to qualify the team for the World Cup and eventually if we do, win the tournament,” enthused Bosso.
“I know the calibre of players we have already and I believe they can [bring glory to Nigeria].” He concluded.
It’s better to play in the same group with the best teams so as to avoid playing against them in the quarter finals which is crucial to qualification for the world cup.
With two best losers chances of advancing I think we have no problems going through I have hope in this team going by press reports.They have been impressive in build up games ruthless in attack,impregnable in defence with a bin pole safe hands between the sticks the team is a potential world cup favourites.
I think this team will reach the U-20 WC.