Bosso tasks Keshi on domestic Eagles
by Humphrey Njoku 04 February 2013, 05:28
Bayelsa United head coach, Ladan Bosso has charged Super Eagles' manager, Stephen keshi to see Sunday Mba's winner against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire as a wake-up call to give other domestic lads on the bench opportunity to showcase their talents.
Mba's goal ensured Nigeria progressed with a 2-1 win over Cote d'Ivoire into the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday.
Forward Emmanuel Emenike had scored in the 43rd minute to give Nigeria the lead against bitter rivals, Cote d' Ivoire.
Bosso, who restated his unflinching confidence in the local lads to deliver the goods, said the likes of Kano Pillars' midfielder, Gabriel Reuben and Enugu Rangers' forward, Ejike Uzoenyi should be given starting rolls to prove themselves.
"Sunday Mba made my day against the Ivorians and that's what we've been expecting to give more challenges to the domestic players. They've never disappointed and won't disappoint but will always deliver the goods safely.
"We still have Reuben and Uzoenyi on the bench, I think Mba's five-star performance should beckon on Keshi to bring in others into the fray. I strongly believe in the domestic players," said the former Flying Eagles' manager to supersport.com.
Bosso said there was no surprise that Cote d'Ivoire fell to Nigeria insisting that the Eagles' form at the moment can crown them champions in South Africa for the third times.
"Yes, I saw it coming because I've always believed that Cote d'Ivoire are beatable with their array of stars and it has come to pass.
"The Eagles showed tremendous improvement and against the Ivorians did everything perfect, so if they maintain same character and up it a bit I see them making it to the final as well as clinching the third title," said the former Kano Pillars' coach.
The former Wikki Tourists' manager however said the Eagles still have leaky spots to mend but refused to disclose it for tactical reasons.
"We'll channel our observations directly to the technical crew its not for public consumption so that the opponents don't profit from the advise," he said.
Nigeria will face the Eagles of Mali in Wednesday's semifinals in Durban.
