AFCON 2025: Nigeria Target Perfect Group Stage as Uganda Fight for Survival

Uganda and Nigeria are set to renew their Africa Cup of Nations rivalry in Group C at the Complex Sportif de Fès on 30 December, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm.

This will be only their second meeting at the finals, the first coming in the 1978 semi-final when Uganda triumphed 2-1. Abdulla Nasur opened the scoring early before Martins Eyo equalised for Nigeria, but Phillip Omondi struck the decisive goal to send Uganda through.

Across all competitions, the two nations have faced each other eight times. Uganda hold the upper hand with four victories compared to Nigeria’s two, while two matches have ended in draws.

Their paths have crossed in AFCON qualifying campaigns for 1994 and 2008, with Nigeria progressing on both occasions. The most recent encounter was a goalless friendly in Asaba in November 2018. Uganda are unbeaten in their last three matches against Nigeria, while Nigeria’s last win came in 2007 during AFCON qualifying, courtesy of a Nwankwo Kanu strike.

Uganda enter this clash under pressure, having started the tournament with a defeat to Tunisia and a draw against Tanzania. Their winless run at AFCON now stretches to five matches, with their last victory coming in 2019 against DR Congo.

Defensive frailties have been evident, as they have conceded in each of their last five AFCON outings. Denis Omedi has been a bright spark, scoring against Tunisia and assisting against Tanzania, while Allan Okello’s five shots against Tanzania marked a standout attacking effort.

Uganda’s hopes of progression hinge on securing a rare final group-stage victory, something they last achieved in 1978.

Nigeria, by contrast, have already qualified for the knockout stages after wins over Tanzania and Tunisia. This marks their 16th consecutive progression beyond the group phase, a record unmatched by any other nation.

Their recent form in group matches has been consistent, with four straight wins, all by single-goal margins. Victor Osimhen has continued his scoring streak, netting his second AFCON goal against Tunisia, both assisted by Ademola Lookman.

Lookman himself has been pivotal, with one goal and two assists in that match, adding to his tally of five AFCON goals. Nigeria’s attack has been reliable, scoring in each of their last nine AFCON matches, though defensive lapses have seen them concede in their last four.

This encounter carries contrasting stakes: Uganda must win to keep their hopes alive, while Nigeria aim to complete a perfect group stage for the first time since 2021.