13th African Games: Ladan Bosso’s reaction to Flying Eagles’ disappointing opening game loss to Uganda

Head coach of the Flying Eagles, Ladan Bosso, remains optimistic despite Nigeria’s disappointing opening game loss to Uganda in the U-20 African Games, Soccernet.ng reports.

With a score of 2 goals to 1, the seven-time U-20 Africa Cup of Nations champions fell to Uganda at Accra Sports Stadium with two goals from Arafat Usman and Ivan Irinimbabazi for Uganda, and one from Sadiq Isiaka for Nigeria.

The defeat, marking the first time in 12 years that Nigeria has lost to Uganda at the cadet level, has not deterred Bosso's belief in the squad's potential at the 13th edition of the tournament.

Expressing confidence in the team's ability to bounce back after the game, Bosso emphasized the abundance of talent within the squad and their tactical capabilities.

He assured that the coaching staff would hold positive meetings with the players to address the shortcomings and encourage them to express themselves on the field.

Acknowledging the importance of the upcoming games, Bosso also highlighted the significance of securing victories in the remaining matches to make a difference in the tournament.

“We would have a positive meeting with the players, it is important that they express themselves,

“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” Bosso said.

He stressed that every player has the opportunity to earn a starting position and reiterated the team's determination to achieve their goals.

Despite the setback, Bosso emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mentality and learning from mistakes to improve performance moving forward.

He affirmed the team's readiness to face the challenges ahead and reiterated their collective dream of representing the national team.

He added: “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

“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.”

Flying Eagles are slated to go for all victories in their remaining two group stage clashes against South Sudan and Senegal to keep their position of advancing to the next round of the tournament.