At the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, the Nigerian Flying Eagles were defeated 2-1 by the Ugandan Hippos in their opening group match.

From the first whistle, the Ugandans controlled the match and Arafat Usama gave them the lead in the 33rd minute.

After a corner by Sadiq Isyaka tied the score for Nigeria in the 36th minute, both teams’ attempts to gain the lead before halftime were unsuccessful.

From the beginning of the second half, the Hippos were able to contain the Nigerians, and the Flying Eagles’ custodian proved to be the difference.

Uganda regained the lead in the 81st minute after Ivan Irinimbabazi’s outside shot caught the Nigerian goalkeeper off guard.

Despite the Flying Eagles’ best efforts, the Ugandans prevailed 2-1 and it was not meant to be.