Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso has said there is nothing special about a tough-looking U20 AFCON first round group that pitches his team against host country Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique as all teams are worthy of their places and determined to do well.
The Flying Eagles open their campaign with an opening game against host Egypt on February 19 in Cairo.
“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.
“We will take it step by step. We won’t put any country first, we must respect every country in our group and we’ll work towards it.
“This team is not Bosso’s team, it’s Nigeria team. So, I want everyone to pray for the team now that the draws have been made.”
The Flying Eagles are the most successful team in Africa at this level having won the tournament a record seven times.
Bosso said the main target is to reach the semifinals, which will qualify the Flying Eagles to the U20 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia in May.
“We’ll do everything possible to improve the tempo of the players so that we can give a worthy representation,” he assured.
“Our priority is to qualify the team for the World Cup and eventually if we do, win the tournament.
“I know the calibre of players we have already and I believe they can do it.”
