The Super Eagles settled for a goalless draw against Uganda in their first preparatory match for the Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) in Cameroon next year.
Dubbed an international friendly, played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Tuesday it was the team’s first build up towards the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
While the Nigeria Football Federation are yet to reel out other friendly matches ahead of the next year’s tournament, but it has however been understood that the Eagles last Group E match against Seychelles in Match at home, will definitely be another build up for the AFCON tourney which will commence in June.
With the goalless draw, the East Africans have now extended their undefeated streak against Nigeria to three matches after holding the Eagles to only the second goalless draw of Gernot Rohr’s tenure.
Nigeria made six changes to the side that secured qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations at the weekend, and it was one of the new faces, Mikel Agu, who twice came close to winning the contest late on.
However, the midfielder could only send his efforts off target to sum up a frustrating evening for the three-time African champions.
Read Also: AFCON 2019: Super Eagles Vow to Win For Keshi
The makeshift central-defensive pairing of Semi Ajayi and John Ogu were almost made to pay for some sloppy defending in the 11th minute, as Derrick Nsibambi capitalised on the lack of communication.
He could only flick the ball over Daniel Akpeyi’s goal as a chance went begging for the visitors.
The Eagles struggled for any sustained period of possession in the opposition half and on the few occasions they did assert themselves over the Cranes, debutant Samuel Chukwueze looked most likely to provide the missing inspiration.
The wideman showed glimpses of his brilliance, but home supporters will hope that there’s more to come from him.
Despite the introduction of Samuel Kalu and Isaac Success at the interval, which ought to have added more bit to the attack, Nigeria failed to threaten Jamal Magooa in the opposition goal.
The result ensures Nigeria end 2018 on a six-game unbeaten run since the World Cup.
