Eagles will test our character – Micho
Coach Micho takes Uganda Cranes players through drills at Namboole Stadium last year. Cranes play Nigeria on Wednesday. PHOTO BY Ismail Kezaala.
KAMPALA
International Friendly, WED March 25
Nigeria vs. Uganda, Akwa Ibom Stadium
Cranes squad to nigeria
Goal Keepers: Dennis Onyango and Isma Rashid Watenga
Defenders: Isaac Isinde, Richard Juuko Kassaga, Murushid Jjuko, Shafiki Bakaki, Alex Kakuba, Godfrey Walusimbi, Denis Guma, Joseph Nsubuga
Midfielders: Miya Faruku, Khalid Aucho, William Luwagga Kizito, Kizito Kezironi, Brian Majwega. Strikers: Geoffrey Massa, Robert Sentongo, Brian Umony
Friendlies on the continent do not come bigger than Nigeria. And since Bolivia’s withdrawal from the earlier friendly with the Super Eagles citing insecurity in the West African nation, it has been celebratory vibes and gasps of relief from the Ugandan end.
On Wednesday, the Cranes get their wish of having a high-profile friendly on a Fifa designated date when they line up against the Super Eagles in the clash of birds. Surprisingly, Uganda have enjoyed some good results against Nigeria over years.
The Cranes have won three times – including that memorable 2-1 semi-final victory in the 1978 Nations Cup finals - lost two and drawn one in the six times the two have met. But the Super Eagles stars on on the continent – including being crowned African champions in 2013, and World Cup compared to Cranes.
It is because of their profile that Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic sees this as the perfect preparation for the 2017 Afcon qualifiers that start in June. “The 28 players that Daniel Amokachi (Nigeria coach) summoned are big names,” said the Serbian, “Just yesterday (Saturday) I watched six of them in big European leagues.
“Just what was seen on TV, they deserve respect but not over respect as we need to think about ourselves, have self-respect and most importantly, check where our players making the travelling team are at present - in mental, physical, technical and tactical aspect.”
Micho added: “That is only what we look at as we got very big test of character measurement of our present values, so that based on present situation we plan accordingly for the upcoming Afcon 2017 qualifiers.
“It (the game) will give us answers; what is good to keep up and correct what is wrong as we wait for most important thing - Afcon qualifiers 2017. That is ultimate target we have looking into upcoming match.”
“In last 3 editions of Afcon qualifiers we have been very close, so keeping that standard playing with powerhouse of African football Nigeria is our benefit we have in advance even before playing.” The Ugandan team departed last evening and will meet up with foreign-based players in Addis Ababa, where they will spend the night before connecting to Abuja.
