WAFU B U20: How To Beat Ivory Coast To Pick Semifinal Ticket – Bosso
By Niyi Busari
Former Flying Eagles Coach, Ladan Bosso has charged the Nigeria U20 team to beat Ivory Coast in their final group match to stand a chance of picking the semi-final ticket at the ongoing 2024 WAFU B championship in Lome, Togo, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Flying Eagles lost 0-1 to Burkina Faso in their group opener on Friday leaving their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages hanging, also, making their fixture versus Cote D’Ivoire a must win game.
Reacting, the Bayelsa United coach said, “All hope is not lost, yes, they lost to Burkina Faso which makes their qualifying for semis more difficult. At this time, the players should not be under pressure but instead be encouraged and let them realize what they stand to lose if they fail to qualify for the CAF U20 African Nations Cup and opportunities their qualifications for the AFCON and World Cup wil give to them. Bosso told www.bsnsports.com.ng
He added, “If Nigeria can beat Cote D’Ivoire, then, the players’ confidence will be back and from their renew their hope of playing in the final and possibly lift the trophy.
“To achieve this, one of the central defender (Bameyi) should be drafted to the left back and be replaced with another good center defender. The midfield should up their game , do their job by supplying passes to attackers and the forwards should be focus on finishing touches. They should expect physical challenge from Ivorians and should be ready for it. The team have an advantage of watching Ivory Coast versus Burkina Faso, this will give them the opportunity to know their strength and weakness ahead of the must win game. The coach will advantage of these to know how best to approach the match. He concluded.
Flying Eagles will take on Ivory Coast on 26th October in their must win last group game.