'The players are ready for action' - Nigeria coach Bosso confident ahead of African Games opener v Uganda

Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso is brimming with confidence ahead of a potential tricky match against Uganda in their opening game of the 2023 African Games on Thursday night at the Accra Stadium.

Nigeria are aiming to win the African Games for the first time in fifty one years but it should be stressed that the squad is not what it was a year ago when they impressed at the 2023 World Cup in Argentina, reaching the quarterfinals stage before a narrow 1-0 loss to South Korea after extra time.

With the European season in full swing, Bosso is deprived of the services of Victor Eletu (AC Milan), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan), Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford) and Sunday Jude (AS Trencin) among others. 

As for Uganda Hippos, Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Ronald Madoi (SFK Pierikos, Greece), Ivan Irinimbabazi (SFK Pierikos, Greece), Allan Oyirwoth (Brook House College, England) are among the foreign-based professionals available for selection against Nigeria.

Thursday's Accra Stadium clash is a rematch of the 2023 U20 AFCON match which saw the Flying Eagles beat the Hippos by the narrowest of margins. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Bosso told reporters: "We have prepared a lot for this competition.

"The players are disciplined and ready for the action... We are not only counting on the talents of the players but also the support of the Nigerians living here in Ghana to encourage and support the boys."

Meanwhile, one-cap Nigeria international Daniel Bameyi, who was also on media duties yesterday,  expressed his delight at the opportunity to play under Ladan Bosso once more.

The central defender noted the significant presence of Nigerians in Ghana and emphasized the fans would play a crucial role in tonight's game.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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