The Uganda Cranes will take on Nigeria in their final Group stage fixture of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025, with the Group C encounter scheduled for Matchday Three and carrying decisive significance for Uganda’s campaign. The second time the sides are meeting.
The only previous AFCON meeting came in the semi-finals of the 1978 tournament, when Uganda claimed a 2-1 victory over Nigeria, a result that remains their sole encounter at the finals to date. In that 1978 semi-final, 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.
Uganda go into the fixture knowing that only a positive result will keep their hopes alive, while Nigeria arrive with maximum points from their opening two matches and the confidence of a side that finished as runners-up at the previous Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put acknowledged the magnitude of the task but maintained belief in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion.
‘We know we are facing a very good team, who was the finalist in the last AFCON edition. Also performed very well, because they have the maximum of their points. The players are will give their best for tomorrow’s game. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be difficult, but in football, everything is possible.’
Put’s comments underline the reality of the challenge ahead, while also reinforcing the message that Uganda must approach the fixture with conviction and discipline.
Defender Jordan Obita echoed the coach’s sentiments and emphasised the importance of belief and unity within the squad as they prepare for the contest.
‘The team spirit is very high. We know we need to go into the game with a win. So we cannot go into the game with any fear. We have to go into the game with full belief, and that’s what we’re going to do.’
Overall, the sides have met eight times across all competitions. Uganda hold the edge with four wins to Nigeria’s two, while two matches have ended in draws.
Uganda and Nigeria have also been paired together in AFCON qualifying for the 1994 and 2008 tournaments. Across those four qualifiers, Nigeria recorded two wins, Uganda one, with one draw.
Their most recent meeting was an international friendly played on 20 November 2018, which ended in a goalless draw in Asaba.
Additional information from cafonline.com
