Uganda Fight for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 survival, Nigeria hungry for more
The Complex Sportif de Fès will host a crucial Group C encounter as Uganda and Nigeria go head-to-head with a place in the Round of 16 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on the line. Kick-off is scheduled for 17h00 local time (16h00 GMT).
The match marks only the second-ever meeting between Uganda and Nigeria at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals, adding extra significance to an already high-stakes contest. Their only previous AFCON encounter came in the semi-finals of the 1978 tournament, when Uganda claimed a 2-1 victory.
Abdulla Nasur gave Uganda the lead in the 11th minute before Martins Eyo equalised for Nigeria in the 54th minute. Phillip Omondi then scored the decisive goal just four minutes later to send Uganda through.
Nigeria goes into this clash as firm favourites, having already secured qualification with two wins from their opening group matches. Uganda, on the other hand, sits third in the group with just one point from two matches and must win to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Ahead of the crunch clash, the country’s representatives at the pre-match event shared their thoughts.
Pre-match comments:
Paul Put – Uganda’s Coach
“We are facing a very good team — finalists in the last African edition — and they have shown their quality again. But we are playing Nigeria, and we know exactly why we are here. If we want to change our situation, we must get a good result. We have no other option. I hope the players will give their very best tomorrow. It will be hard, it will be difficult, but at this level everything is still possible.
It gives me confidence because I think we played a very good game.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t win, but it still gives you a good feeling. To face Nigeria, you have to come off the pitch with confidence — because if you are not confident, it becomes very complicated. The performance was good, the mentality was good and the commitment was good. I think the players will perform at the same level they showed against Tanzania. We go into this game with full confidence.”
Jordan Obita – Ugandan half-back
“Playing against Nigeria is really good. As a player, it’s our dream to play against the best players… We will give our best to stand a chance to get a result and improve our chances of qualifying. We know the expectations on us here and back at home, so we will do our best not to disappoint.”
Eric Sekou Chelle – Nigeria’s Coach
“Of course, as I said, you need your moment in the game, but football is unpredictable. When you get an opportunity, it’s very important to take it. We know we are not going to have ten chances in this match, so sometimes one opportunity has to be enough to decide the game. We will see how it goes, we will try, and we will go out and play. I think all the players know that we have to go for it, and I believe they will do exactly that.”
Wilfred Ndidi – Nigeria Captain
“I feel really privileged to be here and to be part of the team — it’s a great cause. I always try my best to give everything for the team. Every player wants to be in a national team, and even the younger players look up to us. I was one of them, looking up to the great players in red. Being here is truly a privilege, and I am really, really honoured to be part of it.
We are hungry for this game and have the desire to win. Everyone in the squad knows the importance of this match, and we are ready to give our all on the pitch.”
MATCH STATS – Uganda vs Nigeria
Uganda have struggled in this edition, opening the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Tunisia before drawing 1-1 with Tanzania. Their two goals so far at AFCON 2025 have both been scored by substitutes — Denis Omedi against Tunisia and Uche Ikpeazu against Tanzania. Omedi has been involved in both goals, scoring once and assisting once, while Allan Okello registered five shots against Tanzania, the most by a Ugandan player in a single match at the tournament. Despite creating opportunities, Uganda have conceded four goals from seven shots on target they have faced and have not won any of their last five AFCON matches.
Nigeria, by contrast, have already secured qualification with wins in their opening two group matches against Tanzania and Tunisia. The Super Eagles have scored in each of their last nine AFCON matches and are aiming to win all three group games for the first time since 2021.
Victor Osimhen scored his second AFCON goal in the tournament, assisted by Ademola Lookman, who has also been involved in three goals in total. With 16 consecutive appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds, Nigeria remain the most consistent team in the competition and go into the game as firm favourites.
Overall head-to-head, Uganda hold a slight edge with four wins to Nigeria’s two, while two matches have ended in draws. Uganda are unbeaten in their last three encounters against Nigeria (W2 D1), though the Super Eagles’ experience and quality are expected to pose a significant challenge.