The Super Eagles of Nigeria will look to keep their flawless start at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations going when they face Uganda in a final Group C clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria head into the match already through to the Round of 16 after victories in their opening two games, while Uganda, returning to the AFCON finals for the first time since 2019, have just one point from two games and need to secure all three points if they’re to have even the slightest hope of reaching the knockouts.
Match Preview & Head-to-Head
Uganda boast a superior head-to-head record against Nigeria, winning four of their eight previous meetings compared to two for the Super Eagles, with two draws.
Nigeria have never beaten Uganda in a friendly, and their only prior AFCON finals meeting ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Eagles in the 1978 semi-finals. Recent friendlies suggest a competitive clash, including a 1-0 Ugandan win in 2015 and a goalless draw in 2018.
Despite the historical edge favouring Uganda, the Super Eagles’ higher FIFA ranking (38 vs 85) and rich AFCON pedigree, with three titles, make them overwhelming favourites ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Nonetheless, they’ll need to be wary of the Cranes as historical antecedents indicate this could be a highly competitive encounter.
Team News
Eric Chelle may use this match to rotate his squad, giving game time to players who have featured less so far. The likes of Ryan Alebiosu, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Chidozie Awaziem will all be in contention for more minutes.
Uganda, meanwhile, will have to rely on their best players for this clash. The Cranes came through their draw with Tanzania unscathed, giving coach Micho Sredojevic a full squad to select from ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Predicted Lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali; Alebiosu, Bassey, Awaziem, Sanusi; Ndidi, Onyedika, Akinsanmiro; Chukwueze, Simon, Onuachu
Uganda: Onyango; Kayondo, Sibbick, Byaruhanga, Obita; Semakula, Mutyaba, Okello; Omedi, Mato, Ssemugabi
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Uganda
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fes
Date: Tuesday, December 30
Kick-off: 5:00 PM WAT
Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Group C
