Uganda prepares for feisty battle with Nigeria for World Cup

On paper, Nigeria is not expected to fret when they are confronted by Uganda in football. Nigeria is ranked far ahead of the East African country in all categories of the game, including youth football.

Nigeria is a perennial contestant in the African U-20 Nations Cup, which they have won seven times, three more than their closest rival, Ghana. In contrast, Uganda has only featured in the competition three times, playing in the final game at the last edition in 2021. But having tasted the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which a semifinal placing guarantees, the Ugandans want to get there again. And to do that, they must beat Nigeria on Friday.

Uganda qualified for the quarterfinals by drawing with South Sudan in their last group game to finish on top of Group B table, despite finishing on the same five points with Congo. That feat gave them the ticket to face Nigeria on Friday at the Cairo International Stadium.

Looking forward to an interesting game against the Flying Eagles, Uganda’s Coach, Jackson Mayanja said his side has been preparing hard for the confrontation with the Flying Eagles.

He told cafonline.com after the draw with South Sudan, “this tournament is a bit tricky, but this is the game we had to get a result because I also rested my key players because I trust every player.

“Since that we have qualified, now we are planning for the next one so that we can qualify to the next stage.”

While Mayanja was fulfilling his post match media duties, the drawing of lots was holding in Cairo, the former El Masry man wasn’t too concerned about the draw.

“There’s nothing much I can say about the drawing of lots. I’m not a coach who has pressure,” he said.

“This is what I was looking at whether I am first or second but I have qualified,