Uganda v Nigeria preview
Uganda should beat Group C winners Nigeria to affix their opponents within the final 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when the groups meet in Fes on Tuesday.
The Cranes misplaced their opener 3-1 to Tunisia however earned a 1-1 attract an East African derby in opposition to Tanzania on Saturday courtesy of St Johnstone ahead Uche Ikpeazu’s Eightieth-minute diving header.
“The staff spirit may be very excessive,” mentioned Uganda wideman Jordan Obita. “We all know we have to win, so we can not go in with any worry. We have to go in with full perception, and that’s what we’re going to do.
“I consider within the squad. There’s strain in any second of on daily basis for any athlete. The strain is sweet – that’s why we’re footballers.
“We don’t need it simple. We all know Nigeria are very sturdy and we wish to play in opposition to one of the best gamers on this planet.”
Talisman Victor Osimhen opened his account in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday, whereas fellow ahead Ademola Lookman scored in that victory and their opening 2-1 defeat of Tanzania.
“At each second, I really feel the strain and expectation of this nation,” mentioned Eric Chelle, the three-time champions’ coach. “I really feel the expectation of the gamers.
“I like this AFCON. The competitors is excellent. The construction, pitches, organisation – the whole lot is ideal.”
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON staff information
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is a doubt for Nigeria with an harm that Chelle prompt was minor, whereas the Malian made it clear that he’s planning to rotate his staff, predicting his line-up can be a “shock”.
Chelle named Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as one of many gamers worthy of coming in. Paris FC winger Moses Simon, Sevilla counterpart Chidera Ejuke and Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem got here off the bench in opposition to Tunisia.
Nwabali, Vibrant Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, Lookman and Osimhen are among the many candidates to be rested after every making two begins.
Uganda coach Paul Put’s adjustments in opposition to Tanzania included the introduction of 40-year-old Denis Onyango rather than Salim Magoola in purpose.
London-born Ikpeazu might have staked his declare for a beginning place with that probably treasured purpose and Allan Okello may really feel he has a degree to show after lacking a late penalty.
Winger Rogers Mato is a possible game-changer for Uganda, having been prolific for Macedonian membership Vardar.
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON 2025 predicted line-ups
Uganda beginning XI: Denis Onyango, Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Allan, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Baba Alhassan, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Jude Ssemugabi
Nigeria beginning XI: Francis Uzoho, Vibrant Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu
Learn how to watch Uganda v Nigeria: TV channel, stay on-line stream
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 16:00 GMT (11:00 ET / 08:00 PT). Within the UK, stay protection is on Channel 4’s All4 and 4seven. Within the USA, beIN Sports activities is the event broadcaster.
On-line stay streaming is accessible on an enormous vary of units by way of Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports activities app.
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON 2025 stats
- Uganda are winless in 5 AFCON matches (D2 L3) since a 2-0 victory over DR Congo of their opening sport of the 2019 event, which additionally produced their final clear sheet on the finals
- Their solely win in an AFCON last group-stage match was a 3-0 victory over Morocco in 1978
- A 1-1 draw with Mali in 2017 was the final time they prevented defeat in such a sport, shedding in 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2019
- Ought to Uganda not win, they’ll exit the event for a sixth time with out registering a victory, having additionally achieved so in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2017
- They may progress past the group stage for less than the third time, after 1978 and 2019
- Nigeria will make a record-extending sixteenth successive look within the knockout stage and nineteenth total, final failing to advance in 1982
- Victory over Tunisia was Nigeria’s thirty fifth group-stage win on the finals, achieved of their 59th group match (W35 D14 L10); solely Egypt (41) have extra group-stage wins.
- Every of their final 4 AFCON group-stage matches have resulted in one-goal victories, with their final group-stage win by a bigger margin in a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in 2019
- Their final run of 5 consecutive AFCON group-match victories occurred throughout their last two video games in 2004 and all three group video games in 2006
- They’ve scored in 9 straight AFCON matches since a last-16 defeat to Tunisia in 2021
