According to Ladan Bosso, head coach of the Flying Eagles, the team will resume the final phase of camping for the forthcoming Africa U-20 Cup of Nations on January 7, PUNCH Sport Extra reports.
He also revealed that their preparations for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations would be in Spain or Morocco.
“The camp will resume January 7 and the training tour will either be in Spain or Morocco,” Bosso said.
The 2023 U20 AFCON will be played in Egypt between February 19 and March 11 with the top four teams qualifying for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May.
The Flying Eagles are drawn in Group A along with hosts Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique.
Bosso also disclosed he would be looking to add some experience in defence and attack with call-up of some foreign-based professionals.
“We need experience in attack and defence and even if any foreign-based player will join the team, they will be from these departments,” he said.
He also spoke about the tough-looking U-20 AFCON first-round group that pitched his team against host country Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique adding that all teams are worthy of their places.
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.
“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’s 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 was to reach the semi-finals, which will qualify the Flying Eagles for 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.”
