AFCON Today, 7pm
Uganda v Nigeria
Uganda’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 story reaches its most unforgiving chapter today in Fès, where the Cranes walk onto the pitch knowing only victory will keep their knockout dream alive.
Bottom of Group C with a solitary point, Uganda have been pushed to the edge after a bruising 3–1 loss to Tunisia and a frustrating 1–1 draw against neighbours Tanzania. Across from them stand Nigeria — already qualified, confident, and stacked with continental firepower — turning this final group match into a test of belief as much as tactics.
The Super Eagles have swept through the group with six points from six, edging Tanzania 2–1 before outgunning Tunisia 3–2 to seal early passage into the round of 16. Tunisia sit second on three points, while Tanzania and Uganda are locked together on one point, with goal difference separating them and margins razor-thin.
As the simultaneous Group C fixtures unfold, Uganda’s route forward is brutally clear. They must defeat Nigeria and then hope the outcome of Tunisia versus Tanzania tilts in their favour — or that their case as one of the best third-placed teams survives comparison across the tournament.
On paper, the challenge could hardly be steeper. Nigeria boast one of AFCON’s most feared collections of talent: Victor Osimhen’s relentless finishing, Ademola Lookman’s devastating form, Samuel Chukwueze’s speed, Alex Iwobi’s invention and Wilfred Ndidi’s authority in midfield.
Lookman has already been decisive in both matches, while Osimhen continues to underline his reputation as Africa’s deadliest striker.
Uganda’s back line — likely marshalled by Abdu Aziz Kayondo, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita and Kenneth Semakula — faces its toughest examination yet, knowing that a single lapse could end the campaign.
Yet football history offers the Cranes something to cling to. Uganda and Nigeria have crossed paths eight times across competitions, with Uganda holding four wins to Nigeria’s two. More strikingly, the Cranes are unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Super Eagles. Their most iconic encounter came in the 1978 AFCON semi-final, when Uganda stunned Nigeria 2–1 on the road to their only final appearance — a memory that still echoes nearly five decades later.
There is also a personal narrative in attack. Uche Ikepazu Mubiru, who rescued Uganda with a vital equaliser against Tanzania, carries heritage ties to both nations and is expected to lead the line again. His physical presence, movement and hunger could be central to Uganda’s hopes.
Nigeria’s confirmed qualification adds an element of uncertainty. Head coach Eric Chelle may rotate his squad to protect key players, potentially opening a narrow window for Uganda to strike. Whether Nigeria maintain their intensity or ease slightly could define the contest.
For Uganda head coach Paul Put, the spotlight is firmly on selection and mentality. Allan Okello’s missed penalty against Tanzania remains a talking point, though Put has publicly backed the midfielder. Veteran goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, impressive and commanding last time out, may again be entrusted with leadership from the back. In midfield, the decision to recall captain Khalid Aucho or persist with the Baba Al Hassan–Bobosi Byaruhanga pairing could shape the battle for control.
Up front, Dennis Omedi’s influence from the bench — a goal against Tunisia and an assist against Tanzania — raises a compelling question about whether impact should now be rewarded with a starting role.
As the sun sets over Fès, permutations will swirl, calculators will come out and nerves will fray. But for Uganda, the equation is painfully simple: beat Nigeria or pack their bags.
