The Flying Eagles of Nigeria began their campaign in the men’s football event at the 13th African Games in Ghana with a 2-1 defeat to their less fancied Ugandan counterparts.

The opening Group B match was played at the University of Ghana Sport Stadium, Legion.

The Ladan Bosso’s tutored side went behind but fought back, only to succumb at the end of the game.

The Junior Cranes of Uganda showed their intention early, taking the lead in the 34th minute through Arafat Usama.

The Nigerian side immediately replied, Sadiq Isiyaka equalising with a cool finish in the 37th minute.

On resumption of the second half, the Ugandans kept putting pressure on the Nigerian defence, with Ivan Irinimbabazi eventually getting the winning goal in the 81st minute.

Bosso, after the match, said the team would correct the mistakes noticed ahead of their next match.

“We would have a positive meeting with the players. It is important that they express themselves,” Bosso explained. 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.”

Nigeria will next play Senegal on Monday at the same venue to rekindle their hopes of qualifying from the group.

Nigeria finished as runners-up (silver) in the men’s football event at the 12th African Games in Rabat, Morocco, narrowly losing to Burkina Faso in the final.

(NAN)