Uganda under their mercurial coach have seen a rise in rank in Africa and despite not making the ANC in Equatorial Guinea have been named by many a pundit as East Africa’s most dangerous team and one has only to ask the Ghanaians ( finalists at the competition) to explain further.
Even against Nigeria the Ugandans have been no pushovers. The two teams have met 6 times with the Ugandans winning 3 losing 2 and both teams drawing once. Both have scored 5 goals against each other. Granted while Nigeria’s wins have been more recent in 1994 and 2008 the most famous win has gone to Uganda. Let’s go down memory lane.
In the 1978 ANC hosted by Ghana there is no doubt that on paper the two best teams were Ghana and Nigeria. Their epic encounter on the 8th of March with goals by Odegbami in the 33rd and Klutse saving it late for Ghana, supposedly set the table for a delicious repeat in the Final. Everything else was tagged as just going through the motions.
But then flew in a Crane.
Uganda after demolishing the Congo and Morocco had imploded against Tunisia and had been written off as a naughty bird that had now been forced into the proper pecking order.
Against mighty Nigeria in the first Semi-final they rediscovered themselves and in front of a capacity crowd in Kumasi outflew the Green Eagles behind goals by Nasuri and Omondi.
Giant Killers - The 1978 Ugandan Cranes © Caf
Quite a feat considering that the Eagles team was fielding arguably its best ever class consisting of Emmanuel Okala , Christopher Ogu, Mohammed Lawal, Godwin Odiye, Christian Chukwu, Annas. Odegbami, Ejele, Felix Owolabi, Adokie Amesiemaka and Alloysius Atuegbu.
And even with Baba Otu Mohammed being unleashed from the bench the Eagle with a ceiling height of 15,000.00 feet was out flown by the Crane with one of circa a mere 10,000 feet.
The clash in Uyo will have less of a billing because after all its a friendly and not the Semi Final of Afcon but dont tell that to the millions of Nigerian fans. To them (ever since the disaster of a champion not being able defend her crown in Bata and Malabo) there are no friendlies. Everything counts as the Eagles seek to rebuild their shattered image and match what the Women and Under 20 and 17 teams have recently accomplished.
Crane football is back © Backpagepics
Coming in Uganda is ranked at 72 by Fifa which pales in comparison to Nigeria's 41 but when you consider that it is 20 ranks higher than their national average one clearly sees that Sredojevic is on the right track.
Nigeria should not just expect a pant and puff endurance test which is how most East Africans play West Africans. With it will come balanced explorations down the flanks as well as a very physical wave in the midfield. Quite exciting if one considers that the last time the Nigerian back four played a game of substance they were pried apart like a soft loaf of bread by a man called Rantie. Add to the fray Sredojevic 's record against Nigerian clubs and we may have something wicked brewing.
Game conditions on the field just as on paper are expected to be ideal come kick-off.
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