Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-08 07:27:02
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their journey in the men’s football competition at the 13th African Games in Ghana with a surprising 2-1 loss to the underdog Ugandan team. The game took place at the University of Ghana Sport Stadium, Legon, in the Group B opener.
Coached by Ladan Bosso, the Nigerian team found themselves trailing early in the game but managed to fight back, only to ultimately concede defeat. The Junior Cranes of Uganda demonstrated their determination by taking the lead in the 34th minute thanks to a goal from Arafat Usama. However, the Flying Eagles responded swiftly with Sadiq Isiyaka leveling the score with a composed finish in the 37th minute.
As the second half began, the Ugandan team continued to apply pressure on the Nigerian defense, eventually securing the winning goal in the 81st minute courtesy of Ivan Irinimbabazi. Bosso, the Flying Eagles coach, acknowledged the team’s need to address the mistakes observed and prepare for their upcoming matches.
In a post-match statement, Bosso emphasized the importance of a positive mindset and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back. Despite the disappointing start, he highlighted the significance of the remaining games in determining their fate in the competition. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Bosso stressed the players’ shared dream of representing the national team and their determination to overcome setbacks.
Looking ahead, Nigeria is set to face Senegal in their next match at the same venue, aiming to revive their chances of advancing from the group stage. The team’s second-place finish in the previous edition of the African Games serves as a motivation to strive for success and redemption in the current tournament.
Overall, the Flying Eagles’ defeat against Uganda serves as a wake-up call for the team to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and approach the remaining matches with a positive attitude. With a blend of optimism and determination, Nigeria remains focused on achieving their goals and making significant progress in the men’s football event at the African Games.
