Vincent Enyeama

Goalkeeper and team captain, Vincent Enyeama, will win his 100th cap when Nigeria host Uganda in a friendly match today (Wednesday) at the Akwa Ibom State International Stadium in Uyo.

The Lille goalkeeper has been a regular for Nigeria since making his debut at the 2002 World Cup. In a football system where records are tough to keep, there were initial debates over the number of appearances but the Nigeria Football Federation cleared the air last week, stating that the former Enyimba goalkeeper already had 99 caps and not 98.

Former captain of the Super Eagles Joseph Yobo is the only Nigerian player to have hit the 100th record but all that will change as soon as the match in Uyo starts with Enyeama in goal.

The 100th fixture for Enyeama is incidentally holding in his home state of Akwa Ibom. The match had become doubtful with the withdrawal of the initial guest team Bolivia last week which meant that Enyeama would have been forced to delay the celebration until Sunday when the Eagles face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit. The goalkeeper, who spoke with The PUNCH while still in Lille, said what would matter more to him would be the entire team’s gain from the friendly than his individual record.

He said, “Yes, it would be lovely being honoured in my home state but even in South Africa it doesn’t really matter. But for me, what is very important is the benefit of the friendly games as we try to stay in good shape as a team ahead of the qualifiers.”

Nigeria will aim at improving their record against Uganda, having won two and lost three of the previous six meetings between the sides. Uganda won the last encounter 2-1 in 2008.

In the Eagles squad, uncapped Odion Ighalo and Akeem Latifu have said they are eager to make their international debut against Uganda.

The players who spoke with AfricanFootball.com expressed their excitement. Ighalo said the spirit in the Eagles camp reminds him of his professional debut in Norway with Lyn Oslo.

“I am glad to be here. I am looking forward to making my Super Eagles debut in the game against Uganda,” the Watford striker said.

“It reminds me of the feeling I had making my professional debut outside Nigeria eight years ago in Norway with Lyn Oslo. I am ready to give my best and enjoy every bit of it.”

Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic knows they will have to be at their best to cope with the Eagles threat.

He said, “They deserve respect but not over respect as we need to think about ourselves; we have self-respect and most importantly, check where our players are at present – in mental, physical, technical and tactical aspect.”