There have been reports of disagreements between Nigeria’s Under-20 head coach Ladan Bosso and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), barely two weeks to the kickoff of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, News About Nigeria gathered.
Bosso is said to be in a cold war with the NFF, following the imposition of twelve Nigerian-born but foreign-based players by the NFF in his team.
The Flying Eagles have been in camp since March, with the final squad expected to be in Argentina for the World Cup set to be announced soon by Coach Ladan Bosso.
Reports say that the rift was because players’ agents and scouts whose players did not participate in the AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt, were not happy and are insisting on a spot in the World Cup, having the backing of the NFF.
Meanwhile, Bosso has refused to give in to the imposition, insisting he will be working with the boys that brought him a Bronze medal at the AFCON, trashing Tunisia 4-0.
However, sources say that the twelve foreign-based players were approved by NFF to fortify the team which did not look very convincing during their time in Egypt.
Bosso is afraid because if the 12 invited players make the squad to Argentina, another 12 from his original squad will have to make way.
Those invited comprise five attackers, four midfielders and three defenders. The twelve players are said to be training hard to earn a spot, which will be an added advantage to their exposure to better facilities, more advanced coaching and better football cultures which they enjoy in their various clubs outside the country.
The FIFA U20 World Cup kicks off May 20 in Argentina, with Nigeria being one of the four African countries at the tournament.
The tournament marks Nigeria’s 13th attempt at winning the global tournament.
