Uganda’s Nigerian-born striker, Uche Ikpeazu has reflected on his physical duel with Fulham defender Calvin Bassey following the Super Eagles’ 3-1 victory over the Cranes in Morocco.
Ikpeazu, who led Uganda’s attack, faced a tough challenge against Bassey, who featured for 45 minutes before being replaced by Chidozie Awaziem at the start of the second half.
The St. Johnstone forward admitted the Nigeria centre-back made life difficult for him during the opening period of the game.
“He played for 45 minutes. Yeah, it was a good battle, he is a good defender, very strong, lots to learn,” he said.
The 30-year-old acknowledged the difficulty of the contest, especially after Uganda were reduced to ten men late in the match.
“I have done the best I could, it was a really tough game especially going down to ten men in the end,” he said.
Ikpeazu described the defeat as a valuable learning experience for the Cranes, admitting that Nigeria’s superior quality ultimately decided the game.
“But it is a learning curve, that’s the level you want to play at, you know they got top players internationally. What can we do?”
The striker felt Uganda competed well in the early stages but conceded that the Super Eagles’ class told as the game progressed.
“I tried my best, the team tried our best but we fell short. I think quality showed on their side,” Ikpeazu noted.
“I felt like in the first half we were in the game, in the end the quality showed, so we are longer in the competition, I will be rooting for Nigeria now.”
