Fringe players impress as Nigeria vs Uganda ends in stalemate

Nigeria settled for a 0-0 draw against Uganda in an international friendly match on Tuesday.

Both teams have already qualified for the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

The warm-up was keenly contested by the Super Eagles and the Cranes at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta state capital.

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles coach, handed starting shirts to fringe players and they impressed.

Debutant Samuel Chukwueze caught the eye with his explosive runs down the right flank in a busy first half.

Defenders Semi Ajayi and John Ogu proved their mettle for the three-time African champions.

Nigeria should have opened the scoring in the cagey first half but Victor Osimhen was hesitant when put through on goal.

It was a game of tackles rather than quality but the objective was achieved with the minutes under the belt of the players in action.

Dashing winger Samuel Kalu was thrown into the fray in the second half.

He was very lively and energetic at the right flank. The Bordeaux youngster tormented the visitors with his crosses and trickery.

Mikel Agu had the chance to deliver the match winner but failed to capitalise on a howler by the Ugandan keeper following a good cross from Kalu.

The central midfielder came close again but he couldn’t divert his header to the back of the net.

At the end of proceedings, it was a goalless draw between the Super Eagles and the Cranes.