AFCON 2025 Preview: Eagles Must Beware Uganda Cranes

Posted : 30 December 2025

Nigeria and Uganda clash on Tuesday evening in a match that carries different stakes for both teams as three-time champions Nigeria conclude their group phase campaign at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

The Cranes, historically tough opponents for the Super Eagles since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final in Kumasi 47 years ago, need a win to extend their tournament journey beyond Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles, already assured of a Round of 16 spot, need only a draw to secure top place in Group C.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and his teammates have themselves to blame for entering the final group stage day with just one point. After being outplayed by Tunisia and falling behind to Tanzania in their second match, Nigerian-born Uche Ikpeazu came off the bench to equalize against the Taifa Stars. However, a missed penalty by Allan Okelo denied them the three points.

Uganda’s only remaining route is to defeat the Eagles, but with Nigeria intent on maintaining a winning mentality and continuing their impressive form, that outcome appears unlikely.

Nigeria’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen has scored only once in this tournament, but Ademola Lookman, Africa’s most recent Player of the Year and Osimhen’s strike partner in the previous AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, has been in sensational form. Lookman has scored two goals and provided two assists in this tournament, adding to his previous AFCON record, and looks determined to make an impact.

Osimhen, now with 32 goals in 48 matches for Nigeria, also celebrates his 27th birthday on Monday, adding further motivation to perform at his best.

Nigeria’s midfield has been exceptional, with Wilfred Ndidi delivering captain-like performances and Alex Iwobi impressing. Frank Onyeka showcased his abilities against Tunisia, while Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi remain to be tested.

Historically, Nigeria has the most appearances in AFCON knockout rounds, making this their 19th. The victory over Tunisia marked the Eagles’ 35th group-stage win in the tournament’s history. Nigeria have lost only one of their last 16 AFCON group-stage games, a defeat to Madagascar in Egypt after already qualifying for the Round of 16.

Uganda, meanwhile, can take heart from past encounters. In eight previous meetings, the Cranes have won four times, lost twice, and drawn twice. Notably, star forward Philip Omondi scored the winning goal against Nigeria in the 1978 AFCON semi-finals. Uganda have progressed past the AFCON group stage only twice, in 1978 in Ghana and 2019 in Egypt.

Belgian coach Paul Put is expected to start key players, including Uche Ikpeazu, James Bogere, Allan Okelo, and Denis Omedi, all of whom have contributed goals or assists in the tournament.

Nigeria, now with 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, will aim for a milestone 150th goal when the game kicks off at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

At a pre-match press briefing, Coach Eric Chelle said: “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everyone deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer. Sometimes a player making a cameo can change the outcome of games or even win a tournament. I want to present the best team every time.”

Captain Ndidi added: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but past games are behind us. Our focus is on the next game.”

Head-to-Head Record:

14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON Semi-Final: Kumasi)
26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos)
29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCON Qualifier: Lagos)
17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifier: Kampala)
24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCON Qualifier: Abeokuta)
02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifier: Kampala)
25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo)
20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)

AFCON 2025 Preview: Eagles Must Beware Uganda Cranes

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