High hopes held by Asaba soccer fans to see the upper Eagles play a top match in the Delta State capital might eventually materialize, as latest information reaching sports247.ng indicates that the Nigerian team will soon play Uganda in a friendly at Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Although Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr stated after watching the Federation Cup final between Enugu Rangers and Kano Pillars that the stadium’s pitch is not good enough or the Eagles to play on, he may eventually bow to pressure for them to host Uganda there.
This is sequel to feelers from Nigeria Football Federation 9NFF) indicating that top shots of the soccer governing body are still looking for avenues to show appreciation over the assistance they got from Delta State government in hosting the Federation Cup final.
Moreover, NFF’s current president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick is from Delta State, where he was once simultaneously chairman of both the football association and sports commission, such that he feels compelled letting his own people have a direct feel of national team matches.
Consequently, both countries have now confirmed that the Eagles will host the Cranes in Asaba on Tuesday 20th November, to further cement relations between both countries.
Both teams last met in 2015 when the Cranes edged the Eagles 1-0 at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, and Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) have now confirmed that their team will be in Asaba next month.
FUFA communications manager, Ahmed Hussein said: “Matches between these two soccer giants have always been so close since time immemorial.
“The Uganda Cranes technical team will make use of the FIFA international break that runs from 12th-20th November by playing a high profile friendly with the former African champions.
“A 30-man contingent will depart on 18th November 2018 for the trip to Nigeria. The foreign-based players in the contingent will then connect to their respective clubs after the friendly.
