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Just after confirming their ticket for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Super Eagles kicked off their preparation with the friendly game.

The game against Uganda was the start of the preparation.

“We only have one FIFA window in March and I have to give my list in May. The first list 25 then the final 23. I want to see the players, the preparation is starting today. The match tomorrow is the first preparation match for the AFCON,” Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr said at the press conference ahead of the game.

Rohr rang the changes to his starting XI, handing a debut to Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze,John Ogu and Semi Ajayi in central defence, Mikel Agu in midfield and Victor Osimhen leading the line.

In the packed stadium in Asaba, it was the Uganda’s who got the first chance of the game as but a Derrick Nsibambi couldn’t quite connect with his volley.

Debutante Chukwueze looked very dangerous for the Super Eagles, trying to cut in from the right with his left foot.

An Alex Iwobi pass fell nicely to Osimhen in the Ugandan box but the young striker took too much time with the ball and the defence cleared.

Etebo threatened with a free kick which the Ugandan goalkeeper Salim Magoola tipped over the bar.

OsimhenOsimhen got another chance again this time after good work from Jamilu Collins but his header from the defender’s cross went narrowly wide.

Uganda captain Emmanuel Okwi threatened from the corner but his cross was cleared by Osimhen.

The chances were few in the second half as both sides made a host of changes.

In the first action of the second half, Isaac Success narrowly missed from a header while Okwi asked some questions of the Super Eagles defence.

Agu got a chance from a set piece after he was left unmarked in the box but his tame effort was blocked.

Late on, Isaac went close but his low cross after beating the defenders went straight to the goalkeeper.