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Eagles seek momentum in final group outing

By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 30, 2025

Nigeria will look to sustain their winning rhythm and sharpen their edge ahead of the knockout phase when they face Uganda at the Fez Stadium in their final Group C match at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday evening, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The meeting carries contrasting motivations for both sides. Nigeria, three-time champions and winners of their opening two matches against Tanzania and Tunisia, have already secured top spot in the group. Uganda, meanwhile, arrive knowing that only a victory will keep their slim hopes of progression alive.

History offers an intriguing backdrop. This will be just the second meeting between the teams at the finals, with Uganda claiming a famous 2–1 semi-final victory in 1978, their only previous AFCON encounter.

Overall, the Cranes hold the upper hand in the fixture, with four wins from eight meetings, while Nigeria have recorded two victories and two draws.

Uganda are also unbeaten in their last three matches against the Super Eagles, a run that includes two wins and a draw, although Nigeria’s last competitive victory over the Cranes came in AFCON qualifying in 2007, when Nwankwo Kanu scored the decisive goal in Abeokuta.

Nigeria’s pedigree at the tournament remains formidable. Victory over Tunisia was their 35th group-stage win in the competition, with only Egypt boasting more and they have won each of their last four AFCON group matches, all by a single-goal margin, and a further success would see them claim all three group games at a finals for the first time since 2021.

Eric Chelle’s side have also maintained a consistent attacking presence, scoring in each of their last nine AFCON matches and in their last eight group-stage outings.

Much of that threat has been driven by the growing partnership between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Osimhen’s headed goal against Tunisia, his second at the finals, was again supplied by Lookman, with both of the striker’s AFCON goals assisted by the winger.

Lookman continues to be decisive on the continental stage with his goal and two assists against Tunisia making him only the second Nigerian since 2010 to be directly involved in three goals in a single AFCON match.

He has now recorded eight goal involvements in nine appearances at the finals, scoring five and assisting three, which underlines his influence as Nigeria chase momentum rather than mere qualification.

The midfield has also provided balance and authority. Wilfred Ndidi has led by example in his role as captain, while Alex Iwobi’s control and intelligence have helped Nigeria dominate long spells of their matches. Frank Onyeka’s energetic display against Tunisia added further bite, with Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi offering additional depth as Chelle weighs possible rotation.

Speaking at his pre-match press briefing on Monday, the Franco-Malian underlined the competitive ethos within his squad, saying, “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’s campaign has been defined by fine margins. After defeat to Tunisia and a draw with Tanzania, they sit on a single point and rue missed opportunities, most notably a failed penalty in their previous outing.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has marshalled a side that has shown resilience, while Nigeria-born Uche Ikpeazu, along with Denis Omedi, James Bogere and Allan Okello, remain central to Paul Put’s plans as the Cranes chase a result that could extend their stay in Morocco.

The Cranes have progressed beyond the group stage only twice in their AFCON history, in 1978 and 2019, and arrive in Fès knowing they must defy recent Nigerian form to do so again.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 30, 2025