Cranes daze Super Eagles in Uyo

FRIENDLY RESULT

Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Farouk Miya, 81’)
Akwo Ibom Stadium

A lot of hyperbole from Nigerian players and legends in the build-up to the Uganda Cranes and Super Eagles friendly was brought to a screeching halt at Akwo Ibom Stadium in Uyo, on Wednesday night.

Farouk Miya was the unlikely hero as he struck in a deflected shot inside the penalty box on 81 minutes following a neat build-up down the left to hand Micho Sredojevic’s side a famous 1-0 victory in unchartered West African territory.

The under 23 skipper, who divides as much opinion on what his specialty is, was also the reason Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama celebrated his 100th cap on a losing note. Enyeama became only the second Nigerian player after Joseph Yobo to reach the century milestone.

Uganda’s victory means the Cranes have now beaten Nigeria four out of eight times the two have met, the Super Eagles claiming three and the other ending in a draw.

Without a doubt, the Nigerians will know better by now that they never have it easy against Uganda, the team that beat them 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 1978 Nations Cup only to lose 2-0 in the final against hosts Ghana.

Goalkeeper Chidiebere Eze, who never left the substitutes bench, lead the ‘big talk’ ahead of the game.

“I’m confident we’ll defeat Uganda in Uyo on Wednesday, as well as South Africa in Nelspruit, (on Sunday) with the quality of players the coaches have named for the clashes,” he told local media.

“Definitely, we won’t disappoint Nigerians in both warm-up matches as we’re keenly waiting for match day to unleash our full weight on the sides,” added Eze.

Former Nigerian manager Paul Hamilton, too, weighted in – rather brashly. “The Ugandans are unknown quantity in the continent but for the purpose of the rebuilding process of Eagles they’ll be helpful in that aspect.

“The Ugandans will be too excited playing at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium than actually challenging us.”

Well, Micho’s boys – a blend of youth and experience in defence and midfield – were not only excited at playing at the magnificent stadium; they challenged the hosts in it before disbelieving eyes.

Care-takerNigerian coach Daniel Amokachi’s men, also with some blend of young blood and experience, started with more intent and should have gone ahead as early as six minutes.

The men in green swept forward, releasing striker Anthony Ujah down the left but the Eagle’s effort was finely kept out by Ugandan goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, who the Nigerians will pick out for failing to get on the scoresheet.

Ahmed Musa’s follow-up header was cleared off the line by the Ugandan defence, who had three senior team debutants in there in Express’ Shafiq Bakaki at right back, Joseph Nsubuga next to Richard Kassaga in central; and Portugal-based Alex Kakuba.

Uganda’s first attempt came on 14 minutes when Geoffrey Massa’s free kick from just outside the goalkeeper’s box was deflected away for a corner.

Massa and Onyango, who ply their club trade in South Africa, were the most senior players in the Cranes side.

The Cranes pressed further and Chima Akas’s block off a Massa flip after Miya’s good work on the right almost resulted in an own goal on 18 minutes.

As if riled, Nigeria responded immediately the other end, a decent passing move culminating in Steven Ukoh driving a rasping effort towards goal but Onyango collected with authority.

Uganda could have gone to the break 1-0 down but Onyango saved with his legs from Musa after a poor back pass from Kassaga.

The second period produced spells of lacklustre and occasional threats from both sides. First Watford attacker Odion Ighalo was released by Musa but the Russia-based man fired tamely at Onyango.

Micho rang the changes as the Nigerians seemed to gain more territory. The Serbian coach introduced senior team debutant Keziron Kizito for another youngster making his debut, Derrick Tekkwo, in the middle.

URA striker Robert Ssentongo also came in for Godfrey Walusimbi, who started on the left wing just ahead of Kakuba.

Amokachi, too, made his own changes - introducing Akeem Latifu and KAA Gent forward Moses Simon as he sought a solution to Cranes’ resolute.

Massa was the threat that hung incessantly in the hosts’ face, the Pretoria University striker deftly beating his man on the right inside the area only to fire wide.

Nigerian substitute Simon, playing from the left, then beat two men down the left but Onyango intervened with his legs.

The back and forth attacks continued, with Uganda now more enterprising down the left. Sporting Corvihla (Portugal) forward Luwagga Kizito, who started in the middle with Khalid Aucho, Tekkwo and Vipers' forward Miya just behind Massa, was involved in nice moves Kakuba on the left.

And soon the breakthrough after yet another sweeping move down the left, Kakuba beating his man and cutting back for Luwagga, who patiently teed up Miya, whose goal-bound effort with his right was deflected in off Latifu and past a shipwrecked Enyeama.

Last gasp substitutions were made by both sides, Micho throwing on Ibrahim Kiyemba for Luwagga to try and keep it tight, and seventh debutant Chrizestom Ntambi for scorer Miya.

Amokachi also brought on Aaron Samuel for the misfiring Ighalo. But there was no denying the Cranes a deserving famous victory ahead of the June 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers.

Uganda X1
Denis Onyango (GK), Joseph Nsubuga, Alex Kakuba, Shafik Bakaki, Richard Kasaga, Derrick Tekkwo (Keziron Kizito), Khalid Aucho, Godfrey Walusimbi (Robert Ssentongo), Luwagga Kizito (Ibrahim Kiyemba), Farouk Miya (Chrizestom Ntambi), Geoffrey Massa.

Unused sub: Ismail Watenga (GK)

Nigeria X1: Enyeama; Balogun, Ogbonnaya, Omeruo, Akas, Aluko, Onazi, Akpan, Musa, Ighalo, Ujah

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