Head coach of the Nigeria U20 team Ladan Bosso has explained what led to a late change in the list of players submitted for the U20 World Cup in Argentina.
Nigeria made a change in the list made public with goalkeeper Saheed Jimoh replaced by Otoblo John Audu just before the team departed Nigeria for Argentina, where they will perfect their preparation ahead of their opening group game against Dominican Republic on the 21st of May.
A former U17 goalkeeper, Jimoh has been with the team since the start of preparation and was part of the squad for the WAFU tournament and the Africa Cup of Nations. He is however behind the duo of Chijioke Anigboso and Nathaniel Nwosu in the pecking order.
Pressed on why the change was made Bosso in a chat with OGN from Argentina said it became imperative to make the change as Jimoh couldn’t provide his international passport for issuance of travelling visa to Argentina.
” His passport wasn’t available when we needed it. He told me it’s with the French embassy in view of a deal he will be taking up in France. I don’t know the name of the club or the division that they are in. It’s none of my business but in my heart I wish him the best” , Bosso told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” He has been a part of the team from the start and we will miss his presence but it’s understandable why he has to take up the chance to try his luck abroad but maybe the timing should have been better or the visa process handled a lot better. I don’t think he is in France yet, because we left him in Abuja”, the coach said.
Mohammed Mowiz
