Bosso calls Flying Eagles 'work in progress', says team will qualify for U-20 World Cup

U-20 AFCON Bosso calls Flying Eagles 'work in progress', says team will qualify for U-20 World Cup

Jidechi Chidiezie 10:56 - 23.02.2023

Samuel Agbalaka scored the only goal as the Flying Eagles picked their first win of the U-20 on Wednesday.

Flying Eagles' head coach Ladan Bosso has reiterated that his team's intention while competing at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, is to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Nigeria picked up their first win at the Egypt-hosted U-20 AFCON on Wednesday after having suffered a defeat in their opening game against Senegal.

After over an hour of things being on level terms at the Cairo International Stadium, Samuel Agbalaka jumped the highest to connect to Aminu Mohammed's corner and send a bullet header into the back of the net, giving Nigeria a 1-0 win over hosts Egypt.

The victory now sees the Flying Eagles go second in Group A behind already-qualified Senegal.

Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup - Ladan Bosso

Speaking after the game, Nigeria's coach revealed that the team wasn't relieved yet as they still had some more work to do and were still far from their aim.

"It [the win] was very important, we worked for it and were able to pick the three points today," Bosso said to journalists at his post-match conference.

Solomon Agbalaka celebrates goal against Egypt

"The match was a little more technical than what we faced against Senegal. Egypt are more technically sound but lacks the strength to match up with others. They didn't take their chances like we didn't take ours against Senegal. Today, we had our chances, and we got it right.

"The issue of relief is still on the side because we still have one match to go. For now, we are still a work in progress and focusing on the task ahead.

"Football is dynamic, most times you can't predict the outcome of it. But as we progress into our preparations and commitment to the tournament, we hope to achieve our aim, which is to qualify for the World Cup," he added.

Nigeria to play Mozambique on Saturday

With Senegal securing their place in the knockout stages following their second win on Wednesday, only one of Nigeria, Egypt, or Mozambique can qualify from Group A, with another possibly making it as one of the two best losers.

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The Flying Eagles would have their last shot at making the knockout stages of the competition, when they play Mozambique at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismaila, on Saturday.

Only the four best-performing teams will represent Africa at the U-20 World Cup scheduled to hold in Indonesia in May,

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