Head coach Ladan Bosso of the Flying Eagles discussed agents’ attempts to bribe him, his aspirations for the Super Eagles, and preparations for the U‑20 World Cup in an interview with Anthony Nlebem. After winning the WAFU U‑20 tournament, expectations were high for Nigeria to claim an eighth African title in Egypt last month, yet the team finished third. Bosso expressed surprise at missing the final, attributing the shortfall partly to documentation issues that prevented some players from reaching their full potential. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the primary goal—qualifying for the World Cup—had been achieved and that the squad remains a work in progress.
When asked about the Egyptian U‑20 goalkeeping coach’s accusation that Nigeria and other African nations fielded over‑age players, Bosso replied that, as a national team coach, he can only act on the evidence presented. He noted that after the WAFU U‑20 campaign, investigations revealed age discrepancies involving about seven players, who were subsequently removed from the squad. “Behind every rumor there is an element of truth,” he said, and for the sake of Nigeria, those players had to be let go.
Bosso explained his player‑selection process, stressing the importance of verifying identities. If a player presents two passports with no clear link between them, he is asked to provide the original document; failure to meet the deadline results in exclusion. For the 24‑man roster traveling to the U‑20 AFCON in Egypt and the training tour in Morocco, three players were dropped due to age‑related documentation problems and two failed medical tests. This opened a spot for Ahmed Abdulahhi, the only overseas‑based player in the squad, despite Bosso’s initial reluctance to select foreign‑based talent. Abdulahhi had been instrumental in the WAFU B U‑20 victory, giving Bosso confidence in his paperwork. Bosso lamented that many NPFL‑based players could not substantiate their eligibility, and those who underperformed were largely from that league.
Addressing allegations that agents offered him millions of naira to include their players, Bosso denied any bribery. “I want anyone to come forward and say a player made the team because I was paid,” he asserted. He explained that when agents tried to influence selections, he removed their players to avoid national embarrassment. As a coach, his ambition is to earn a Super Eagles appointment by succeeding with the U‑20 side, promoting both himself and his players on merit.
This is Bosso’s third stint in charge of the U‑20 team, yet he has not moved to the U‑23, CHAN Eagles, or Super Eagles. He remains untroubled, believing that “God’s time is the best.” He recalled recommending Salisu Yusuf for the Super Eagles job when former NFF president Amaju Pinnick first approached him in 2014; Bosso had already signed with Abia Warriors and suggested Yusuf, who had previously assisted him with the U‑20s in 2008/09.
Regarding the upcoming World Cup, Bosso said the team will not receive automatic selections. Players who travelled to Egypt must earn their shirts again, and the coaching staff is focusing on areas where performance fell short. In Egypt, all 21 squad members featured, with the team rebounding after a poor start against Senegal to win against Mozambique and Tunisia. Bosso stressed that the Flying Eagles are still developing and that more matches will only improve them.
Reflecting on his 2009 sacking just before the U‑20 World Cup—when Samson Siasia replaced him and led the team to the second round—Bosso called the decision “the greatest mistake” made by Nigerian football authorities. He recounted qualifying for that World Cup under difficult circumstances, including a 5‑0 victory over Sudan with only 12 players and a team doctor. Being removed after that achievement was disappointing, but he acknowledged that coaching is a profession marked by hiring and firing, and one must accept its realities.
Comments are closed for this story.