Nigeria’s Flying Eagles lost 1-2 to Ugandan Hippos in their first game of the group stage in the 13th African Games at the Accra Sports Stadium in Accra City, Ghana, on Thursday, March 7.
It was a remarkable crucial win for Uganda after 90 minutes of regulation and a minimum of five minutes.
Uganda scored the lead goal through Arafat Kizza Usama in the 33rd minute of the first half, and the stunning late strike-winning goal by Ivan Irinimbabazi’s shot from outside the box in the 80th minute of the second half.
Nigeria’s consolation came from Sadiq Muhammad Isiyaka in the 36th minute of the first-half game.
It was a disappointing and uninspiring start for the Flying Eagles, but enough room for encouragement ahead of their remaining Group B games against Senegal, South Sudan, and Tunisia.
The match was handled by Libyan referee Ahmed Abdul Razg (center referee). Abdessamad Abertoune (1st assistant), Elphas Sitole (second assistant), and Aklesso Gnama (fourth official). Ghanaian Edwin Simeon Okraku was the match commissioner. Another official from Ghana Alexander Asante was the general match coordinator.
Flying Eagles’ Performance Rating:
1. Samuel James 6.8/10: The young goalkeeper made two quick-fire saves inside the first ten minutes to keep the scoreline level, and was helpless for the first goal. He made more saves as time went on but could have done better to prevent the second goal from going in.
2. Daniel Bameyi 5.5/10: The Flying Eagles started the game on the front foot from right back. His dazzling runs helped Isiyaku in attack, but as the game went on, his deliveries became sloppy and he was swept aside several times by the skillful Ugandan wingers as he was no match for their trickery.
3. Godwin Samson 6/10: Samson, alongside his partner defended the aerial balls very well, but couldn’t help the goalkeeper with playing out from the back. The hoofed balls to the front made it impossible for the team to control the game.
4. Haruna Aliyu 6/10: Aliyu, was sloppy and mistimed a number of his tackles. Like his partner, he didn’t seem comfortable on the ball.
5. Ibrahim Abdullahi 5.5/10: Abdullahi played a huge part in allowing the first goal that the opposition scored. He was caught out of position, leaving the Nigerian defence short of numbers as Uzama swept home.
6. Nassir Mohammed 6.5/10: The midfielder aided in breaking up play for the Super Eagles. He put his body on the line as he took several hits, but didn’t offer much in attack. He was replaced by Shola Oladunjoye after he picked up an injury.
7. Daniel Daga 6/10: The Enyimba man lacked the composure he is so greatly known for. He caused way too many fouls and looked lost in the middle of the park. He slotted into the heart of the defence a few times to help the team relieve the pressure.
8. Sodiq Isiyaka 7.1/10: The Niger Tornadoes player looked lively. His runs down the right-hand side caused trouble for the Ugandan defence in the first half but were contained in the second half. He scored Nigeria’s only goal of the game from a corner kick.
9. Charles Agada 6.5/10: Agada showed glimpses of what he was capable of, but never really got going, and his decision-making in the final third was questionable.
10. Chibueze Izuogu 6.6/10: The attacking midfielder was impressive in the first half, but faded with time in the game as he barely got the ball into his feet. He had to be taken off later as he clutched his hamstring.
11. Alonge Ibrahim 5/10: The striker barely got involved and was replaced by Sulaiman Idris in the early minutes of the second half.
Head coach, Ladan Bosso had named a 20-man squad for the event earlier this week.
Captain Daniel Bameyi, Daniel Daga, and Nathaniel Nwosu are some of the old players who made the squad.
Recall that the Flying Eagles emerged as runners-up in the men’s football event at the 12th African Games held in Rabat, Morocco, in October 2019, narrowly losing to Burkina Faso in the final.
It is 51 years since Nigeria last won their sole gold medal in the African Games’ men’s football event.
