The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were defeated 2-1 by Uganda in their opening match in Group B of the football event at the 2024 African Games in Ghana.
The Ladan Bosso-led boys were stunned by the Ugandans, who proved irrepressible in the game played at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Accra, on Thursday.
Uganda scored the game’s first goal in the 34th minute through a deft finish by Arafat Usama following a brilliant cross-field pass.
Four minutes later, Nigeria equalised through a glancing header from Sadiq Isiyaka from a corner kick.
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However, in the second half, the Ugandans kept putting pressure on the Nigerian defence, resulting in Ivan Irinimbabazi eventually getting the winning goal in the 81st minute.
Speaking on his team’s performance. Bosso said the players will improve on their performance in the following match in the group.
“We would have a positive meeting with the players. It is important that they express themselves,” the coach said.
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“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 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 had 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.
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“For every player, being in 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.”
The Flying Egles will face South Sudan in their second game before playing Senegal in their final group game on Friday.
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