Nigeria faces Uganda in AFCON 2025 Group C showdown, with Super Eagles aiming to secure top spot and Cranes seeking their first win in Morocco
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to conclude their Group C campaign against Uganda’s Cranes this evening at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with both teams entering the match from very different perspectives.
Three-time champions Nigeria have already secured qualification for the Round of 16 and need only a draw to guarantee a top-table finish.
Uganda, however, remain on a single point and require a win to keep their AFCON 2025 hopes alive.
Veteran Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango and his teammates face a daunting task.
After a heavy defeat by Tunisia and a come-from-behind draw against Tanzania, Uganda’s chances hinge on exploiting any opportunity against the Super Eagles, who have maintained strong form throughout the tournament.
Uche Ikpeazu’s equaliser against Tanzania offered hope, but Allan Okelo’s missed penalty left the Cranes with work to do.
Nigeria’s attack, led by Victor Osimhen who celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday and complemented by Ademola Lookman, remains formidable.
Lookman has already scored twice and assisted two goals in this tournament, adding to his impressive record from the 2023 finals.
The Nigerian midfield has been pivotal, with Wilfred Ndidi captaining the side with authority, Alex Iwobi producing moments of brilliance, and Frank Onyeka delivering strong performances against Tunisia.
Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi are yet to make their mark, but squad depth gives coach Eric Chelle multiple options.
Historically, Nigeria has dominated AFCON knockout appearances, qualifying for the Round of 16 for the 19th time, and winning 35 group-stage matches overall.
Only once in their last 16 group games did Nigeria suffer defeat, highlighting the team’s consistency at this stage.
Uganda, by contrast, have only twice progressed beyond the group stage, in 1978 and 2019.
Yet, historical encounters between the two nations give the Cranes reason for optimism.
In eight previous meetings, Uganda have won twice, lost four times, and drawn twice, including the memorable 2-1 semi-final victory in 1978.
Coach Eric Chelle emphasised the importance of squad rotation ahead of the match, stating: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament.”
Captain Wilfred Ndidi reflected the team’s focus: “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.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm local time, with Nigeria aiming to secure their 150th AFCON goal in the process.
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