'We respect Nigeria as superpowers of African football' - Uganda coach ahead of 2023 African Games opener

Uganda's Hippos coach Morley Byekwaso Ochama has labeled Nigeria as superpowers of African football but stressed that his side are ready to face one of the favorites of the men's football event at the 13th African Games, Accra 2023. 

Flying Eagles, tutored by the experienced tactician Ladan Bosso, will lock horns with Uganda at the the Accra Stadium on Thursday, 2100 hours kickoff Nigerian time.

Nigeria are aiming to win the gold medal at the African Games for the first time in fifty one years, they were last crowned champions of the competition in 1973.

Since Nigeria's triumph on home soil, they won silver medals in 1978, 2003 and 2019 and were the third best team on three different occasions 1991, 1995 and 2015.

Bosso can call upon the services of 2023 Fifa U20 World Cup stars Daniel Bameyi and Daniel Daga, plus exciting striker Charles Agada for the clash against the Ugandans. 

In quotes relayed by Kawowo Sports, Byekwaso said: "We have had good preparations since we entered camp, had practice games in Ethiopia and I believe the players are ready for this tournament.

"We respect Nigeria as superpowers of African football but we don’t fear them. We played against them at AFCON U20 last year and I believe the team has improved a lot since then, so I believe we have what it takes to beat them here."

The Flying Eagles will also do battle with South Sudan, Senegal and Tunisia in Group B of the men's football event.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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