A frustrated Ladan Bosso was left rueing missed opportunities after Nigeria’s Under-20 team were eliminated by The Gambia in the semi-final courtesy a 0-1 defeat this Monday.
Hitman Adama Bojang scored the only goal, eight minutes into the contest as the West African held on to eliminate the record champions and reach a maiden final The Gambia.
Bosso admitted he was frustrated by his Nigeria team being unable to take their chances – including missing a penalty deep into regulation time.
“We failed to take our chances and we also missed the penalty in the 86th minute.
“I am very frustrated because we had the team to go all the way. Football is cruel,” Bosso said.
The experienced trainer was critical of his underperforming players, claiming the defeat was partly caused by nativity.
“We lost stupidly, we were naive from the start.”
It wasn’t Nigeria’s day as their usual flowing approach wasn’t visible. Bosso confirms all wasn’t well.
“We didn’t measure up. I congratulate The Gambia for winning”.
The Flying Eagles must now put their focus on the third-place playoff game against Tunisia who suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Teranga Lions.
The Gambia will face Senegal in the final of the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON this weekend.
