AFCON 2025 Preview: Nigeria Vs Uganda
Nigeria and Uganda will lock horns on Tuesday evening at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in a Group C encounter shaped by sharply contrasting ambitions, as the Super Eagles conclude their group-stage campaign at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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For three-time champions Nigeria, already assured of a place in the Round of 16, a draw will be sufficient to secure top spot in the group. For Uganda’s Cranes, however, only a win will keep their hopes alive of extending their stay in Morocco beyond Tuesday night.
Uganda’s predicament is largely self-inflicted. After suffering defeat to Tunisia in their opener, the Cranes fell behind Tanzania in their second game before Nigeria-born striker Uche Ikpeazu came off the bench to restore parity. Uganda had the chance to claim all three points, but Allan Okello missed a crucial penalty, leaving them stranded on a single point heading into the final round.
Now, Paul Put’s men face the daunting task of defeating an in-form Nigerian side determined to maintain momentum, assert dominance, and send a clear warning to other title contenders.
Nigeria’s attacking strength remains a major concern for the Cranes. While Victor Osimhen has scored just once so far at this tournament, the Napoli striker — now on 32 goals in 48 appearances for Nigeria — will be eager to mark his 27th birthday, celebrated on Monday, with another decisive contribution.
Alongside him, Ademola Lookman has emerged as one of the standout performers of AFCON 2025. The reigning African Player of the Year has already scored two goals and provided two assists in this campaign, adding to his impressive numbers from the 2023 finals. His left-footed strikes have been among the most lethal of the tournament, underlining his man-on-a-mission status.
Nigeria’s midfield has also found its rhythm. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has led by example, Alex Iwobi has been outstanding, and Frank Onyeka delivered a commanding display against Tunisia. With Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi still available, head coach Éric Chelle has depth and flexibility at his disposal.
Historically, Nigeria boast a formidable AFCON pedigree. Tuesday’s match marks their 19th appearance in the knockout rounds, and the win over Tunisia was their 35th group-stage victory in AFCON history. The Super Eagles have lost just once in their last 16 group matches, a defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after qualification was already secured.
Uganda, however, will draw hope from past meetings. In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have won four times, lost twice, and drawn twice. Nigerian fans still remember the painful 2–1 defeat to Uganda in the 1978 AFCON semi-final in Kumasi, courtesy of a late goal by Philip Omondi. Uganda have progressed beyond the group stage only twice before — in 1978 and 2019.
Ikpeazu is expected to start, supported by Denis Omedi, James Bogere, and Allan Okello, as Uganda throw everything into one last push.
Nigeria, currently on 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will also be chasing a landmark 150th goal when kickoff arrives at 5:00 p.m.
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Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle emphasized squad rotation and collective responsibility:
“The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team.”
Captain Ndidi echoed that sentiment: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is on the next game.”
With qualification secured but pride, momentum, and history at stake, the Super Eagles will look to finish the group phase strongly — while Uganda fight desperately to keep their AFCON dream alive.
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