Nigeria 1 South Sudan 0: Isiyaka the match-winner as Flying Eagles record first win at 2023 African Games

The Flying  Eagles got their first victory at the 2023 African Games on Monday night, courtesy of a 1-0 victory over South Sudan.

South Sudan started the game on the front foot and it was no surprise to see them record the first shot on target of the contest with a long-range strike which was parried away by Nathaniel Nwosu.

Nigeria got their first chance of the game when the South Sudan defense failed to deal with a long pass but Sunday Joseph couldn't capitalize on the opportunity.

Another chance came the Flying Eagles' way in the 12th minute with Chibueze Izuogu putting a cross into the penalty area for Joseph who couldn't bury the ball into the net.

In the 31st minute,  Izuogu tried his luck with a shot from a long distance but his effort couldn't trouble the goalkeeper.

Joseph missed another glorious opportunity in the 37th minute when a good cross was put in his path but he agonizingly missed the opportunity to put Nigeria ahead. 

Ladan Bosso's boys could have easily gone behind when Nwosu failed to deal with a simple cross but the South Sudanese couldn't put the ball home.

A few minutes before the end of the first half, Rabiu Abdullahi missed a big chance to put Nigeria ahead inside the six-yard box.

A minute after the start of the second half, Suleiman Idris attempted a long-range effort but his effort drifted wide.

A few seconds later, Joseph had the chance to make amends for his earlier misses but couldn't direct his attempt towards goal.

Idris attempted another long-range strike in the 67th minute but his effort could only go wide.

Sadiq Isiyaka finally put the Flying Eagles ahead in the 81st minute from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

During the stoppage time, Charles Agada missed two consecutive glorious chances to double Nigeria's lead but that wouldn't prove costly as they had already secured the maximum points.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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