Former Nigerian international, Garba Lawal has shared his reaction concerning Issa Ladan Bosso’s claims. Bosso, the current under 20 coach has said that he was surprised that some players from the under 20 team did not make the squad for the last AFCON, adding that he had to bring them back to the squad for the African games as they were still eligible age wise.
Lawal said he did not agree with Bosso’s thoughts, but that was just his personal opinion. The 49 year old mentioned that Nigeria has a lot of players within the country and abroad. He added that who to pick is totally up to the national team’s coach.
In his exact words, Lawal said:
“I believe that’s his own opinion. He’s a friend, i don’t have anything against him. He gave an excuse that he took Daga and Bameyi to the African games because they’re still in age range, that’s his own opinion”.
“If I’m a coach too, i may decide not to go with them. If he says they should’ve been called to the last AFCON, that’s uncalled for. What about the players in the local league and the ones abroad ? He’s a coach and I’m a coach, but i don’t agree with him”.
“If you remember, Eriksen went to the world cup with Walcott, he was 17 then. Everyone insulted him, but he did it anyway. At the end of the day, Walcott proved everyone wrong and became a fantastic player”
“As a coach, you have your own opinion and philosophy. I don’t believe in that statement, because i want our local league players to make the team.”
