The Super Eagles of Nigeria will step out at the Fez Stadium at 5 p.m. (WAT) on Tuesday, December 30, determined to keep their momentum intact when they take on Uganda in the final Group C match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Super Eagles, who are assured of qualifying for the round of 16, have little left to prove in terms of qualification, having secured back-to-back victories over Tanzania and Tunisia.
For Uganda, however, the equation is far simpler and far harsher. Only a win will keep their faint hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive.
The fixture brings a touch of history with it. It is only the second time the sides will meet at the finals, with Uganda still fondly recalling their dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over Nigeria in 1978. Overall, the Cranes enjoy a slight edge in the head-to-head record, boasting four wins from eight meetings, compared to Nigeria’s two victories and two draws.
Uganda are also unbeaten in their last three encounters with Nigeria, a sequence that includes two wins and a draw. Nigeria’s most recent competitive success against the Cranes dates back to the 2007 AFCON qualification campaign, when Nwankwo struck the decisive goal in Abeokuta.
Despite that, Nigeria’s pedigree at the tournament remains unquestionable. Their win over Tunisia was their 35th group-stage victory at the AFCON, with only Egypt managing more.
They have now won each of their last four AFCON group matches, all by a single-goal margin, and another success on Tuesday would mark the first time they have won all three group games at a finals since 2021.
Under Eric Chelle, Nigeria have also shown remarkable consistency in front of goal, scoring in each of their last nine AFCON matches and in their last eight group-stage outings.
Much of that cutting-edge has come from the growing understanding between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Osimhen’s headed goal against Tunisia, his second of the tournament, was again created by Lookman, meaning both of the striker’s goals at this AFCON have arrived via assists from the winger.
Lookman’s influence has been especially striking. His goal and two assists against Tunisia made him only the second Nigerian since 2010 to be directly involved in three goals in a single AFCON match. He now has eight goal involvements in nine appearances at the finals, five goals and three assists, as Nigeria focuses on sharpening their edge rather than simply protecting their status.
The midfield has also provided authority and balance. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has set the tone, while Alex Iwobi’s composure and intelligence have helped Nigeria control long periods of games.
Frank Onyeka impressed with his energy against Tunisia, and the availability of Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi gives Chelle options as he considers rotation.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle stressed the importance of competition within the squad. He said, “The competition is not only for the starting 11; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team. Sometimes, a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament. For me, I want to present the best team every time.”
Uganda, by contrast, arrive in Fès carrying regrets. A defeat to Tunisia, followed by a draw with Tanzania, has left them bottom of the group on one point, with missed chances proving costly.
Their frustration was summed up by Allan Okello’s missed penalty in stoppage time against Tanzania, an opportunity that could yet define their campaign.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has led a resilient side, while Nigeria-born Uche Ikpeazu, alongside Denis Omedi, James Bogere and Okello, remains central to Paul Put’s plans as the Cranes chase a result that could prolong their stay in Morocco.
Uganda have only progressed beyond the group stage twice in their AFCON history, in 1978 and 2019, and they know they must defy Nigeria’s recent form to repeat that feat.
Where to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria vs Uganda clash:
Every match of the tournament will be shown across Channel 4’s network in the UK and Canada.
In Nigeria, the game will be broadcast live on NTA Sports 24, NTA’s national station and SuperSport’s dedicated AFCON channels on DStv. International coverage is available on beIN Sports, SuperSport, Canal+ Afrique, DAZN and other partner networks, with streaming options including beIN Connect, TOD and Fubo TV.
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