Nigeria’s Flying Eagles opened their campaign in the men’s football event at the 13th African Games in Ghana with a surprise 2-1 loss to Uganda’s underdogs.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the opening Group B match took place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legion.
Ladan Bosso’s coached team fell behind but battled back, only to lose in the conclusion of the game.
Uganda’s Junior Cranes made their intentions clear early on, taking the lead in the 34th minute through Arafat Usama.
The Nigerians responded almost quickly, with Sadiq Isiyaka equalising in the 37th minute.
On the restart of the second half, the Ugandans continued to put pressure on the Nigerian defense, with Ivan Irinimbabazi scoring the winning goal in the 81st minute.
After the defeat, Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso stated that the team will fix the faults made ahead of their next match.
“We would have a positive meeting with the players; it is important that they express themselves,” Bosso explained.
“Logically, we would have liked to have started (the tournament) in another way, but the players are clear that there are two games ahead that could make so much difference.
“Anyone has the possibility of being a starter. I am optimistic that the players know what they stand to achieve and the task ahead.
“We talked about football with the group,about how we can improve the mistakes we made and thus move on with a positive mentality.
“We know what we have to do in the upcoming games, which is to go out and look for victory; we are prepared for that.
“For every player, being on the national team is a dream. We did not start the way we wanted, but we will continue fighting for that dream that we all have.” Bosso said.
Nigeria will next lock horns with Senegal on Monday at the same venue to rekindle their hopes of qualifying from the group.
Nigeria finished as runners-up (Silver) in the men’s football event at the 12th African Games in Rabat, Morocco, narrowly losing to Burkina Faso in the final. (NAN)