Ladan Bosso: Super Eagles can beat France

What is your assessment of the performance of the Super Eagles in the World Cup so far?I congratulate Nigerians and the team not only because we have qualified but because there was positive change of character in the team compared to the two matches they played earlier against Iran and Bosnia. I am therefore convinced […]

What is your assessment of the performance of the Super Eagles in the World Cup so far?
I congratulate Nigerians and the team not only because we have qualified but because there was positive change of character in the team compared to the two matches they played earlier against Iran and Bosnia. I am therefore convinced that in the match against France, the Eagles will play even better. My second point is that from this team you can conveniently pick three or four players that will play in the Nation’s Under 23 team. So you can start having the feelings that the next Under 23 team is going to be a performing squad. Also I have always insisted that no matter how bad a player is, every good player has the potential of some elements of rudeness in him and before the start of the World cup I have talked to some of them there that they should be able to manage Osaze Odewingie. He is not a bad player but has some attitude that are unethical but if you are able to manage it, he will definitely give you the best in him. This is exactly what is happening in the domestic league. The most stubborn player in the league when they know I am in charge of a team fall into line because they know I can handle them. It is not by fighting them but the way you present yourself to them. You have to give them reasons they should behave well. You have to let them know that what they are doing is their future.
Before the World Cup, some people doubted Keshi’s ability to lead the team in Brazil. What is your assessment of the coach?
Coach Keshi is doing a marvellous job with the Super Eagles. This is the second time we are qualifying for the second round in the world cup finals and it is Keshi that has made that possible. He is the first indigenous coach to have achieved the feat, so what is expected from us, is to support and pray for him and the team. Before our match against Argentina, I organized my players and the feeder team to pray for the success of the Super Eagles because it has to do with us as a nation. We are talking of Nigeria and not Keshi or Alhaji Aminu Maigari the NFF president as a person. The team belongs to us all.
Now that Eagles are going to face former champions France in the second round, what advice do you have for the team?
We all heard the comment of coach Keshi after the Argentina match and I sincerely agree with him. All the departments of the team need to be worked on. If you look at our first game against Iran that chain between the defence, the midfield and the attack was not there and it was same when our opponents were attacking us. However, in the second match there was improvement. Against Argentina, if we had taken those chances that came our way we would have won the match.
I strongly believe that France is beatable but we have to improve a little from what we played against Argentina. I agree that France have a star studded team but that is where their problem lies because is not easy playing against an average team like Nigeria that is building up confidence with every match they played. Before the start of the competition, I said we should not expect much from England and Spain because their players’ involvement in the European Champions League was hectic and would weigh them down. Before the World Cup commenced, most of them were fagged out and not surprised they crashed out.
Would you say Nigerians were too critical of the Eagles when they played 0-0 draw with Iran in the opening match?
Whether there is support or no support any body that is determined and committed will succeed. Whether support or no support, these boys are being guided by people who know the importance of determination and of getting results. They will have to propel the boys to get into the right frame of mind but you should know that the players have given us the best they have. We should appreciate them and I strongly believe we will get there. If they remain focused and committed, the match against France will be the simplest of all their matches and I call on all Nigerians to pray for the team.