Again Ladan Bosso’s Flying Eagles flop in search for second gold medal at African Games

Nigeria Head Coach Ladan Bosso shouts instructions during the Flying Eagles. (Photo: FIFA}

Nigeria’s male football team last won the gold medal of the African Games far back in 1973, when Nigeria hosted the Games in Lagos. That was 51 years ago. Not even the COJA 2003 Games held in Abuja could change the situation.

Now, the Flying Eagles have started their campaign at the ongoing 13th African Games poorly, losing 1-2 to Uganda in their opening match. The team aim to bounce back on Monday when they face South Sudan.

The Coach Ladan Bosso-led Flying Eagles encountered a setback in their Group B opener, succumbing to a 2-1 loss against Uganda at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana on Thursday.

A late strike by Ivan Irinimbabazi sealed the victory for Uganda, marking a strong start to their campaign. The Ugandan team took the lead in the 33rd minute when Usama Arafat capitalised on an opportunity, swiftly advancing towards the Flying Eagles’ goal area and finding the back of the net.

The Flying Eagles managed to level the score in the 37th minute thanks to Sadiq Isiyaka, who capitalized on a corner kick with a well-placed header. But Uganda clinched the victory in the 81st minute as Irinimbabazi unleashed a low shot from outside the box that eluded the Nigerian goalkeeper.

South Sudan also suffered a setback in their opening match, falling 1-0 to Senegal on Thursday. Ahead Monday’s second group match against South Sudan, Coach Bosso feels the Flying Eagles can emerge stronger from the disappointment of their opening defeat to Uganda.

After losing to Uganda at the cadet level for the first time in 12 years, Bosso assured the team is blessed with so much talent and tactically would get it right.

“We would have a positive meeting with