2023 African Games: Five observations from Flying Eagles surprise 2-1 loss to Uganda's Hippos

In their first match of the 2023 African Games held in Accra, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria faced a 2-1 loss to Uganda. 

Kiza Usama netted the first goal for the Ugandan team, beating Flying Eagles' goalkeeper Samuel James with a left-footed shot from inside the box.

Minutes later, Sadiq Isiyaka leveled the score for Nigeria, nodding in a powerful header from a perfectly-delivered corner kick.

Ivan Irinimbabazi scored the winner for the Ugandan, beating Samuel James with a shot from outside the box. Allnigeriasoccer presents five observations from the game.

1. Questionable tactical approach by Ladan Bosso 

Nigeria's Flying Eagles suffered a defeat in their opening game against Uganda at the African Games held in Ghana.

From the onset, Uganda demonstrated superiority, dominating the Flying Eagles and eventually securing the winning goal with just ten minutes remaining in the game.

Critics had already questioned the tactical prowess of Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso prior to the tournament, and his strategies will further fuel the criticism.

Nigeria struggled to create opportunities in the attacking half and failed to maintain possession, resorting to unsuccessful long balls throughout the game.

This approach hindered Nigeria's ability to break down their opponent's defense and ultimately contributed to their defeat.

2. Abasi Kyeyune, Kiza Usama pose challenges for Flying Eagles defense

During the match, the Flying Eagles defense faced difficulties coping with the speed and technical abilities of the two Ugandan forwards.

Usama scored the opener with a left-footed shot from inside the box, while Abasi came close to adding another goal for Uganda in the second half but was thwarted by Samuel James.

Both players played crucial roles in Uganda's offensive maneuvers, causing several problems for the Flying Eagles throughout the game.

3.Samuel James' struggles against Uganda

The Flying Eagles' goalkeeper faced difficulties against Uganda, conceding twogoals.

Samuel was beaten at his near post in the first half and again from a long-range shot in the final ten minutes of the game.

Although the young goalkeeper managed to make some crucial saves at the beginning of the second half, he struggled overall during the match.

4. Daga, Bameyi disappoint in Ghana

Daniel Daga and Daniel Bameyi's performance fell short of expectations as Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat against Uganda on Thursday night.

Despite being the most experienced players in the team, having participated in the last FIFA U20 World Cup, both players struggled to assert their influence on the game.

Daga had difficulty dealing with Uganda's wide players, while Bameyi failed to establish control and dominance in midfield for the Flying Eagles.

5. Nigeria's midfield lacks creativity

The absence of a creative player in midfield was evident in the Flying Eagles' performance. 

Despite his experience, Bameyi, being a defensive-minded player, struggled to impose himself and generate creativity for the team.

To improve their chances in upcoming games, coach Ladan Bosso will need to address the midfield's lack of creativity to generate more scoring opportunities.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com