Flying Eagles player ratings: Isiyaka best of the bunch; Sampson one to watch; James bungler; Daga underwhelming

The Flying Eagles lost to Uganda in their opening game at the 2023 African Games.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs through the performances of Nigerian players in action.

The starters

Goalkeeper 

Samuel James: He had a very bad office as he could have done better for the two goals conceded. A shambolic start to the tournament for the young shot-stopper. 4/10

Defenders

Daniel Bameyi: The skipper didn't lead by example as he was caught outside of his position often and lost a good number of his duels. 5/10

Godwin Sampson: He had the best game of all the defenders, made some clearance, won most of his aerial duels, and came close to scoring at the start of the second half. 7/10

Haruna Aliyu: He was caught out of position in the build-up leading to Uganda's first goal of the game and wasn't as defensively resolute as his defensive partner. 5/10

Ibrahim Abdullahi: He misjudged the ball before the Ugandans scored their first goal and didn't have much influence on the game. He was taken off before the hour mark. 5/10

Midfielders and forwards

Daniel Daga: Probably his worst game for the Flying Eagles. He started well but fizzled out as the Flying failed to grasp control of the game and got a yellow card late on. 6/10

Nasir Muhammad: Couldn't impose himself on the game as he was rarely seen trying to make something happen. He had to be taken off due to injury 5/10

Chibueze Izuogu: The number 10 just like his colleagues in the middle of the park struggled all game and it was surprising to see him not being taken off early. 5/10

Sadiq Isiyaka: Showed good composure and precision for the Flying Eagles and was the brightest player for Ladan Bosso's side. 8/10

Alonge Ibrahim: He couldn't get much of the ball but missed a glorious opportunity that came his way in the second half. 5/10

Charles Agada: He was one of the most experienced and disappointing players in the encounter. Showed no desire throughout 4/10

The substitutes

Rabiu Abdullahi: He couldn't pose any threat to the opposition defense as the Flying Eagles struggled to create any goal-scoring opportunities. 4/10 

Sulaimon Idris: He didn't fare badly when he came on, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him start the next game.
6/10

Shola Oladunjoye: He didn't prove to be an improvement on the man he replaced.5/10

Kehinde Ibrahim: He came on six minutes before the end of the normal regulation time and as a result couldn't influence the game. 5/10

Sunday Joseph: Like Ibrahim, he also came on as a late substitute and couldn't afford to influence the game.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: FUFA

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