February, 7 2023.
The Anxiety and a Curiosity that often characterizes Squad Naming in football or other team Sports, in Nigeria and even beyond has again manifested, as Nigerian football agents from the length and breath of the country, including Kano, Kaduna and Abuja have heightened their expectations and worries, ahead of Ladan Bosso, the Head Coach of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, unveiling of his final 21-man roster for the upcoming Under-20 Afcon, to be staged in Egypt.
Some of the expectant agents are said to have fasted and have also gathered to pray for their players to make the final cut, out of the present 25 in camp.
While some have also called on their Imams, Pastors for additional prayers, a few others may have consulted Marabouts and sacred things; all for the sake of their players who have been in camp for weeks now, to make the final list and be part of the traveling party to Egypt, where they will be further exposed to foreign scouts.
According to one of the agents who spoke to www.ckdmedia.ng but pleaded unanimity; “Anytime I see a list posted on the social media, I make haste to go through it, to be sure my wards, made the list.
“I don't know what will happen if any of them fail to make the cut, after weeks of intensive training sessions. And despite knowing that the boys can play, the competition in camp has been too high."
The list in question, has being expected since last week, but a delay was triggered when Nigeria accepted to play a two-legged friendly match against the Zambian Under-20 team.
Up till now, the list is still being expected, despite last week's announcement that the team will depart for Cairo, on Wednesday, February 8th or Thursday February 9th.
Another agent who also asked not to be named, had this to say; “I’m tired of waiting for this final list to be released. I have resigned to praying, and have called my Imam to keep praying for me, so that my boy can make this 21 man list".
He further reveaIed that he has concluded plans to personally travel to Egypt; having in advance made arrangements with some clubs who are interested in taking a closer look at the boy.
Head Coach, Ladan Bosso is expected to release the official 21 man lists going for the tournament, anytime from now, but the best bet is tomorrow, February 8th.
Whatever the case maybe, four players are certain to be in the lists; Daniel Bamaiyi, Onuche Ogbelu, Solomon Abalaka, Augustine Njoku and Daniel Daga; as players that have done enough to merit their places on the eagerly awaited list.