Nigeria U-20 Coach, Ladan Bosso has disclosed that there is nothing special about the group that his team have been placed for the U-20 African Cup of Nations.
Bosso spoke after the draws were conducted on Friday in Cairo which saw Nigeria drawn in group A with host nation, Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique.
The group was touted as the "group of death" immediately it was released. However, the former NPFL Coach sees the group as a normal group.
"To me, 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.
“So, whether we are in a tough group or not, if you want to qualify for the World Cup, you must play against the important teams at the African Cup of Nations.
The experienced gaffer who is not new to occasions like this after taking Nigeria's U-20 team to third place in the AFCON in 2009 says the team's goal to secure the World Cup ticket.
“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. Our priority is to qualify the team for the World Cup and eventually if we can, win the tournament.
“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.
He concluded all will be done to ensure the team perform well in the tournament.
“Lastly, we'll do everything possible to improve the tempo of the players so that we can give a worthy representation. I know the caliber of players we have already, and I believe they can do it", the head coach of U20 team concluded.
The U-20 team are heading to their 18th appearance of the AFCON and will be seeking to consolidate on their status as the team with most success in the tournament after seven titles.
By Uche Dozie