Uganda were as stubborn as ever in Asaba yesterday when they met Nigeria in an international friendly at the Stephen Keshi Stadium. The Ugandans were the first team to beat Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo when they left the arena with a 1-0 victory. Yesterday in the Super Eagles’ first game in Asaba, the Ugandans held their ground even though they did not threaten a repeat of that infamous night in 2015.
Coach Gernot Rohr gave starting shirts to five fringe players, including Victor Osimhen, the former U-17 World Cup winner, who is gradually recovering his groove in the Belgian League after a failed adventure in Germany. There were also starting slots for Villarreal’s new sensation, Samuel Chukwueze, Mikel Agu, Daniel Akpeyi and Semi Ajayi, who paired with John Ogu in the central defence.
With Alex Iwobi and Oghenekaro Etebo running the show in the midfield, the Asaba fans expected the Super Eagles to crown the day with goals. But despite their control of the game, the Eagles failed to score, with Osimhen missing chances that showed he still has some way to go in the senior game.
Uganda had the game’s first real chance, but Derrick Nsimambi, after beating John Ogu from a long ball, went for the spectacular overhead kick, playing the ball wide of the goal area.
The Super Eagles reacted and came close when Osimhen was put through on goal by Mikel Agu, but the Sporting Charleroi striker dithered and lost possession to the Ugandan defence. Read more