Uganda v Nigeria: Line-ups, stats and preview
Uganda v Nigeria preview
To reach the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Uganda must secure a victory against Group C leaders Nigeria when the teams clash in Fes on Tuesday.
The Cranes faced Tunisia in their opener, suffering a 3-1 defeat but managed to hold Tanzania to a 1-1 draw in an East African derby on Saturday, thanks to an 80th-minute diving header from St Johnstone forward Uche Ikpeazu.
“Our team spirit is incredibly high,” stated Uganda winger Jordan Obita. “We recognize the need to win, and we can’t approach the match with any fear. We will enter with complete confidence, and that’s our aim.
“I have faith in this squad. Athletes experience pressure daily. It’s a positive pressure – that’s part of being in football.
“I don’t desire an easy match. We respect Nigeria’s strength and wish to compete against the best players globally.”
Star player Victor Osimhen scored his first goal during Nigeria’s 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday, while fellow forward Ademola Lookman netted in that triumph along with his opening match goal during a 2-1 win against Tanzania.
“I constantly feel the weight of expectation from this nation,” remarked Eric Chelle, head coach of the three-time champions. “I sense the players’ anticipation as well.
“This year’s AFCON appeals to me. The competition is top-notch. The infrastructure, pitches, organisation – everything is impeccable.”
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON team news
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is uncertain for the fixture due to a minor injury, according to Chelle, who indicated plans to rotate his squad, suggesting his line-up might be unexpected.
Chelle highlighted Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as a player who deserves inclusion. Paris FC winger Moses Simon, Sevilla’s Chidera Ejuke, and Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem all came in as substitutes during the match against Tunisia.
Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, Lookman, and Osimhen could be candidates for rest, each having participated in two starts.
Changes made by Uganda’s coach Paul Put against Tanzania included bringing in 40-year-old Denis Onyango for Salim Magoola in goal.
London native Ikpeazu may have strengthened his case for a starting role with that vital goal, while Allan Okello may feel he has something to prove after missing a late penalty.
Winger Rogers Mato is seen as a potential difference-maker for Uganda, having shown exceptional form with the 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
The match is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT (11:00 ET / 08:00 PT). In the UK, coverage will be available on Channel 4’s All4 and 4seven. In the USA, the tournament will be broadcasted by beIN Sports.
Live online streaming can be accessed on a variety of devices via Channel 4’s website and app, along with the beIN Sports app.
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON 2025 stats
Uganda has not achieved a victory in five AFCON matches (D2 L3) since their 2-0 win against DR Congo in their first match of the 2019 tournament, which also marked their latest clean sheet at the finals.
Their only win in an AFCON final group-stage match occurred in 1978 when they beat Morocco 3-0.
The last time they avoided defeat in a group-stage game was in 2017 against Mali (1-1), having lost in 1968, 1974, 1976, and 2019.
If Uganda fails to win, they will exit the tournament without a victory for the sixth time, having previously done so in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976, and 2017.
They hope to advance beyond the group stage for just the third time in their history, following their successes in 1978 and 2019.
Nigeria will be making a record-extending 16th consecutive appearance in the knockout stage and a total of 19 times, having last missed out in 1982.
The victory against Tunisia marked Nigeria’s 35th win at the group stage of the finals, achieved in their 59th group match (W35 D14 L10); only Egypt (41) holds more group-stage victories.
All of their last four AFCON group-stage matches have ended with one-goal margins, with the last larger victory being a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in 2019.
Their last streak of five consecutive victories in AFCON group matches was witnessed across the last two games in 2004 and all three group games in 2006.
Nigeria has scored in nine consecutive AFCON matches since their last-16 exit against Tunisia in 2021.
Published: 2025-12-29 22:32:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
