Ugandan head coach Paul Put believes Nigeria have what it takes to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following the Super Eagles’ dominant group-stage display, footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria finished top of Group C with a perfect record, winning all three matches against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. They have scored eight goals, the highest tally at the tournament, with six different players finding the net, in a big show of their attacking depth.
Speaking after Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Uganda in Fes on Tuesday, Put compared Eric Chelle’s side to the Super Eagles team that won AFCON in 2013.
“I cannot speak for your coach, but of course, in 2013, you (Nigeria) had a very good team, but I think today, you also have a very good team. The way the team is playing in the system is comparable to 2013,” Put said.
The Belgian, who coached Burkina Faso when Nigeria beat them in the 2013 final, added: “I think they have a very good chance to be close to the final.”
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring for Nigeria before Raphael Onyedika scored twice in the second half. Rogers Mato netted a late consolation for Uganda.
Put admitted Uganda’s qualification hopes should have been settled earlier. “We were under pressure today. It was very hard because Nigeria is a difficult team, so I think we lost the qualification against Tanzania.”
Nigeria now advance to the round of 16 as group winners and will face the third-placed team from Group F.
