13th African Games: Player ratings from Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to the Hippos of Uganda

The Nigerian U-20 team were unable to secure a win at the Accra Sports Stadium in their opening African Games clash against the Hippos of Uganda.

A swift left-footed shot into the bottom corner by Ugandan Arafat Uzama before Sodiq Isiyaka headed home two minutes later to equalize for Ladan Bosso’s men. A shot from outside of the box by Ivan Irinimbabazi late in the second half secured the win for Byekwaso Ochama’s men.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Flying Eagles as they lost to the hippos of Uganda.

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 skilful 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 was 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.

Substitutes

Sulaiman Idris 5/10: Sulaiman didn’t get into the rhythm of the game. He had just one chance and his chance was scuffed wide.

Rabiu Abdullahi 5/10: Just like Sulaiman, Rabiu didn’t really get involved, as the team switched to playing long balls over the team, which meant less ground possession.

Shola Oladunjoye 5.5/10: Replaced the injured Nassir and fit in immediately. He resumed the dirty work in midfield, but couldn’t handle the pressure Uganda piled on.

Kehinde Ibrahim and Sunday Joseph: Both players came on with six minutes left on the clock and couldn’t make any notable impact.