Uganda v Nigeria preview
Uganda must beat Group C winners Nigeria to join their opponents in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when the teams meet in Fes on Tuesday.
The Cranes lost their opener 3-1 to Tunisia but earned a 1-1 draw in an East African derby against Tanzania on Saturday courtesy of St Johnstone forward Uche Ikpeazu’s 80th-minute diving header.
“The team spirit is very high,” said Uganda wideman Jordan Obita. “We know we need to win, so we cannot go in with any fear. We need to go in with full belief, and that’s what we’re going to do.
“I believe in the squad. There’s pressure in any moment of every day for any athlete. The pressure is good – that’s why we are footballers.
“We don’t want it easy. We know Nigeria are very strong and we want to play against the best players in the world.”
Talisman Victor Osimhen opened his account in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday, while fellow forward Ademola Lookman scored in that victory and their opening 2-1 defeat of Tanzania.
“At every moment, I feel the pressure and expectation of this country,” said Eric Chelle, the three-time champions’ coach. “I feel the expectation of the players.
“I like this AFCON. The competition is very good. The structure, pitches, organisation – everything is perfect.”
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON team news
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is a doubt for Nigeria with an injury that Chelle suggested was minor, while the Malian made it clear that he is planning to rotate his team, predicting his line-up will be a “surprise”.
Chelle named Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as one of the players worthy of coming in. Paris FC winger Moses Simon, Sevilla counterpart Chidera Ejuke and Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem came off the bench against Tunisia.
Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, Lookman and Osimhen are among the candidates to be rested after each making two starts.
Uganda coach Paul Put’s changes against Tanzania included the introduction of 40-year-old Denis Onyango in place of Salim Magoola in goal.
London-born Ikpeazu may have staked his claim for a starting place with that potentially precious goal and Allan Okello could feel he has a point to prove after missing a late penalty.
Winger Rogers Mato is a potential game-changer for Uganda, having been prolific for Macedonian club Vardar.
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON 2025 predicted line-ups
Uganda starting XI: Denis Onyango, Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Allan, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Baba Alhassan, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Jude Ssemugabi
Nigeria starting XI: Francis Uzoho, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu
How to watch Uganda v Nigeria: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 16:00 GMT (11:00 ET / 08:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage is on Channel 4’s All4 and 4seven. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON 2025 stats
- Uganda are winless in five AFCON matches (D2 L3) since a 2-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening game of the 2019 tournament, which also produced their last clean sheet at the finals
- Their only win in an AFCON final group-stage match was a 3-0 victory over Morocco in 1978
- A 1-1 draw with Mali in 2017 was the last time they avoided defeat in such a game, losing in 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2019
- Should Uganda not win, they will exit the tournament for a sixth time without registering a victory, having also done so in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2017
- They could progress beyond the group stage for only the third time, after 1978 and 2019
- Nigeria will make a record-extending 16th successive appearance in the knockout stage and 19th overall, last failing to advance in 1982
- Victory over Tunisia was Nigeria’s 35th group-stage win at the finals, achieved in their 59th group match (W35 D14 L10); only Egypt (41) have more group-stage wins.
- Each of their last four AFCON group-stage matches have resulted in one-goal victories, with their last group-stage win by a larger margin in a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in 2019
- Their last run of five consecutive AFCON group-match victories occurred across their final two games in 2004 and all three group games in 2006
- They have scored in nine straight AFCON matches since a last-16 defeat to Tunisia in 2021
