Nigeria faces Uganda in AFCON 2025 Group C, aiming to complete a perfect group stage while Uganda fights to keep qualification hopes alive

Nigeria will take on Uganda in a decisive Group C fixture of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 on Tuesday at Fez Stadium, with the Super Eagles seeking to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.

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Nigeria enters the clash as firm favourites, having already secured qualification with two wins from their opening matches against Tanzania and Tunisia. Uganda, sitting third with a single point, must win to keep their tournament hopes alive.

The fixture marks only the second meeting between the nations at AFCON finals. Their previous encounter came in the 1978 semi-finals, where Uganda triumphed 2–1. Overall, Uganda hold a slight historical advantage, winning four of six meetings, including two draws and two losses against Nigeria.

Nigeria’s current form is impressive, having scored in each of their last nine AFCON games. Uganda, by contrast, has netted two goals and conceded four in the tournament so far, remaining winless in their last five AFCON matches.

With qualification already assured, Nigeria head coach Eric Sekou Chelle may rotate his squad ahead of the knockout stage. Possible starters include goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel, Sanusi, Ogbu, Onyeka, Dele Bashiru, Awaziem, Ejuke, Akinsanmiro, Onuachu, and Nwadika, with additional options such as Uzoho, Obasogie, Ndidi, Ajayi, Lookman, Onyemaechi, Muhammed, Iwobi, Bassey, Akoh, and Lawal available.

Uganda coach Paul Put acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We are facing a very good team — finalists in the last African edition — and they have shown their quality again. But we know exactly why we are here. If we want to change our situation, we must get a good result.”

Uganda defender Jordan Obita added, “Playing against Nigeria is really good. As a player, it’s our dream to play against the best players. We will give our best to stand a chance to get a result.”

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Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi emphasised the team’s focus: “We are hungry for this game and have the desire to win. Everyone in the squad knows the importance of this match, and we are ready to give our all.”