African Games 2023: Uganda Coach Expresses Confidence Ahead of Opening Clash Against Nigeria

• The football event for the 2023 Africa Games kicks off in Accra, Ghana
• Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are poised to lock horns against Uganda's Hippos
• Uganda's coach has expressed confidence ahead of the clash against Nigeria

As the curtains rise on the 13th edition of the African Games, all eyes turn to the Accra Stadium, where former champions Nigeria will face off against Uganda in the opening match.

This riveting clash, which marks the beginning of group B fixtures, harks back to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations clash held in Egypt in 2023, where Nigeria emerged victorious by a single goal.

However, ahead of this highly anticipated rematch, Uganda's coach, Morley Byekwaso Ochama, has expressed confidence about his side’s chances of winning.

Uganda coach expresses confidence

In his pre-match press conference, the coach of the Hippos acknowledged Nigeria as the superpower of African football but emphasised that his side is ready to take on one of the favourites of the men's football event.

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In quotes relayed by Kawowo Sports, Byekwaso said,

"We've prepared well since we started training, including practice games in Ethiopia. I think the players are ready for the tournament. We respect Nigeria as a strong team in African football, but we're not afraid of them.

We faced them at AFCON U20 last year, and I believe our team has improved significantly since then. I'm confident we have what it takes to defeat them in this tournament."

Under the guidance of experienced tactician, Ladan Bosso, Nigeria are aiming to win the gold medal at the African Games for the first time in fifty-one years, having last been crowned champions of the competition in 1973.

The Flying Eagles have won silver medals on three occasions in 1978, 2003, and 2019 and were the third-best team on three different occasions in 1991, 1995, and 2015 since their last triumph.

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Nigeria's quest for the elusive gold medal will also see them do battle with South Sudan, Senegal, and Tunisia in the remaining fixtures of their group.

Jose Peseiro plots next move

In another report, Sports Brief stated that the former coach of the Nigerian team, Jose Peseiro, is planning a move to another African team.

So far, the former Real Madrid assistant coach has failed to agree on terms for a contract extension with the NFF.

The 63-year-old is reported to be interested in the job with the South African national team.