“Tough” – Flying Eagles boss reacts to Nigeria facing Brazil, Italy at U20 World Cup in Argentina

Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso has expressed his thoughts on the draw for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, stating that his side must be at their best to compete in what has been dubbed the “group of death.”

Nigeria have been drawn into Group D, which includes perennial favourites Brazil, European giants Italy, and the unpredictable Dominican Republic.

The Flying Eagles have been far from impressive, as the Ladan Bosso-tutored side only finished in third place at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt in March.

But the experienced tactician knows that his team will need to be at their very best from the tournament’s first game.

Bosso, who is eyeing a Super Eagles coaching job after the World Cup, also believes that being placed in a tough group will only make the Flying Eagles better.

“Many people have described our group as tough, but I believe that will get us to be at our best right from the onset. The reward for all our efforts will be a qualification to the knockout rounds of the tournament,” Bosso told Score.

The Flying Eagles will kick off their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign against debutants Dominican Republic in Mendoza on May 21, and they will have to contend with Italy three days later in the same city.

They will then round up their group stage campaign against Brazil in La Plata on May 27.

Nigeria have a decent track record in the U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up in 1989 and 2005, and made it to the quarterfinals in the 2019 edition.

The 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place from May 21 to June 11 in Argentina. It promises to be an exciting tournament, with some of the best young players worldwide competing for glory.