2023 African Games: Everything you need to know about Flying Eagles opener against Uganda's Hippos 

The much-anticipated clash between Nigeria's U20 team, the Flying Eagles, and Uganda's U20 team, the Hippos, kicks off the African Games football tournament in Group B for both sides today March 7th, 2024.

The 2023 U20 AFCON semi-finalists are also paired alongside Senegal, Tunisia and South-Sudan in what looks like a Group of Death.

The Flying Eagles come into the tournament with a strong showing at the recent 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals.

Head Coach Ladan Bosso has selected a blend of experienced players from the World Cup squad, alongside promising talents from the domestic Nigerian leagues. 

Head to head records

Both teams locked horns at last year's U20 AFCON and the Flying Eagles were victorious courtesy of an own goal from Ibrahim Juma.

Nigeria will hope to build on the second place finish from the last African Games in 2019 as they hit the ground running in Group B later today.

Key players

Flying Eagles: Charles Agada, Daniel Bameyi,  Daniel Daga.
Hippos: Ibrahim Juma, Hakim Mutebi, Patrick Jonah Kakande

Where to watch

The match will be broadcast live on TV via the Startimes Sports Channels.

Venue: Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana. 

Kickoff time: 2100 hours Nigerian time.

Expectations

This opening encounter promises to be a thrilling start to the African Games football tournament.

Both coaches will be looking to implement their strategies and exploit any weaknesses in their opponents.

The Flying Eagles are favorites on paper, but the Hippos should not be underestimated.

The Flying Eagles will rely on the experience of players who participated in the U20 World Cup, while the Hippos will be eager to make their mark on the tournament and cause an upset.

Ejim Kaycee

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