U20 AFCON: Uganda captain Isma Mugulusi aims to make ‘history’ against Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of Nigeria’s quarter-final clash, Uganda captain of the Hippos Isma Mugulusi says his team is ready and raring to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup at the 2023 U-20 African Cup of Nations on Thursday.

Uganda topped Group B after drawing lots that set up a quarter-final clash with the Flying Eagles at the Suez Canal Stadium, Ismaila and the Cranes will face a daunting task against record champions, Nigeria.

Despite the pedigree of the West Africans, Mgulusi is confident his side will come out tops in the quarter-final clash.

“We are ready, everyone is in shape, we’re mentally good. We’ve tried to put what the coach wants in practice. I think we can overcome Nigeria in the quarter-finals,” the Makedonikos FC attacker told CAF.

“We have been told and assisted by the coaches and other players who visited our camp like former Cranes goalkeeper and captain Dennis Onyango and former Hippos captain Gavin Kizito to eat the grass, so I think we will eat the grass.

“In this team, everyone is a captain. It’s not only me so it’s not something big though I am the one who wears the armband but everyone is a leader in our team.”

Nigeria are seven-time winners of the U20 Afcon but the Ugandan star insists his side will see off Ladan Bosso’s side.

 “Nigeria has been good but now we’re also good and we can compete,” Isma continued.

“If we manage to qualify for the quarter-finals that means we can also qualify to the semi-finals and go to the World Cup. Tomorrow (Uganda) is the day we will write history in Ugandan football.”

The winner of the game will qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup as a win against the Hippos will qualify the Flying Eagles for their 13th appearance at the global finals, in Indonesia from 20th May – 11th June.