Nigeria head into their final Group C game as favourites, but Uganda are no pushovers, Footynaija.com reports.
The Cranes may have just one point from two matches, yet their AFCON 2025 performances reveal a team that can cause real problems if given space, time, or allowed to settle into their game.
For Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles, identifying and managing those threats will be key to shaping the flow of the game.
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1. Uganda’s strength in the air and threat from set pieces
Uganda’s most obvious weapon so far has been their strength in the air. Their equaliser against Tanzania came from a well-executed header, and they also hit the bar with another effort in the air. They’ve consistently aimed crosses and set pieces into the box, putting defenders under pressure throughout.
This matters against Nigeria because the Super Eagles have already conceded from set pieces in the tournament. Tunisia’s header exposed a moment of weakness, and Uganda will have taken note.
With tall forwards like Uche Ikpeazu and quality deliveries from wide, the Cranes will back themselves to create problems even without controlling open play.
2. Midfield work rate and game control
Uganda do not simply sit deep and defend. In their draw with Tanzania, they enjoyed more of the ball for long periods and moved it patiently through midfield.
Their ability to slow play and hold possession can frustrate a team like Nigeria, particularly if the tempo drops. Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will need to stay alert, as Uganda’s midfield presses hard and battles for second balls.
3. They have nothing to lose
Uganda’s biggest strength might be mental. With just one point from two games, they know only a win will do. That urgency was obvious against Tanzania, where they pushed hard late on and won a stoppage-time penalty.
That mentality makes them dangerous. They will chase loose balls, commit bodies forward, and take risks others might avoid. And for Nigeria, this means concentration cannot dip, even if they score first. Uganda will keep coming, driven by desperation rather than fear.
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