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 towards Tanzania on Saturday courtesy of St Johnstone ahead Uche Ikpeazu’s Eightieth-minute diving header.
“The staff spirit could be very excessive,” stated 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 imagine within the squad. There’s stress in any second of each day for any athlete. The stress is nice – that’s why we’re footballers.
“We don’t need it straightforward. We all know Nigeria are very robust and we need to play towards 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 stress and expectation of this nation,” stated 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 – every little thing is ideal.”
Uganda v Nigeria: AFCON staff information
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is a doubt for Nigeria with an damage that Chelle urged was minor, whereas the Malian made it clear that he’s planning to rotate his staff, predicting his line-up shall 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 towards Tunisia.
Nwabali, Vivid 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 modifications towards Tanzania included the introduction of 40-year-old Denis Onyango rather than Salim Magoola in aim.
London-born Ikpeazu could have staked his declare for a beginning place with that doubtlessly valuable aim 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, Vivid Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu
How you can 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 match broadcaster.
On-line stay streaming is obtainable on an unlimited vary of units by way of Channel 4’s web site 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 recreation of the 2019 match, 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 recreation, shedding in 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2019
Ought to Uganda not win, they are going to exit the match for a sixth time with out registering a victory, having additionally achieved so in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2017
They might 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 general, 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
