FARUKU Miya’s lone strike was all the Cranes of Uganda needed to humble Super Eagles right in their own home soil.
In the friendly match which was played on Wednesday at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, Miya waited till the 81st minute to deliver the goal, aided by Nigerian defender and debutant Akeem Latifu in the box.
It was not a good gift for goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama who earned his 100th cap for Nigeria.
Enyeama, who also captained the Eagles, made a number of saves before the Ugandan eventually secured the only goal of the match.
The Eagles, handled by Daniel Amokachi, also capped the duo of Odion Ighalo and Moses Simon in the game.
Ahmed Musa was a shadow of himself this time as he could not re-enact his awe-inspiring form that he is known for. He was replaced by Mfon Udoh during added time.
The Nigerian team was practically made up of greenhorns with the exception of Musa, Kenneth Omeruo and Enyeama in the starting line up.
The likes of Daniel Ighalo, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Leon Balogun, Steven Ukoh, Chima Akass and Anthony Ujah were on parade, while Sone Aluko, Aaron Samuel, Godfrey Oboabona were among the substitutes brought on in the second half.
Interestingly, the first player to hit 100 caps in the colours of Nigeria, Joseph Yobo equally left the pitch on the day a loser following a 0-2 loss to France at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil while he also scored an own goal.
However, coach of Uganda, Milutin Sredojevic, while speaking after the match hailed Enyeama for his 100th cap.
“Enyeama is a world-class goalkeeper and he has tried by making 100 caps but it is unfortunate we have spoilt the party for him. We wish him the best. My team deserves credit for playing so well against a team like the Super Eagles. It was determination,” said the Serbian coach.
Meanwhile, Enyeama has said he will consult with the national team coaches on whether to continue after the centenary cap
“I thank Nigeria and Nigerians for their support. I am happy over this feat. I will sort things out with the coaches to know whether to continue or face my club career only. The match is a practice game but the defeat is one of those things in life. So painful but it is normal in football,” said the Lille of France goalkeeper.
Enyeama at half time of the match was presented a special plaque by the governor of Akwa Ibom State, chief Godwill Akpabio on behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) whose president, Mr Amaju Pinnick also witnessed the brief ceremony.ax
