AFCON 2025: Put and Obita Rally Cranes for Do-or-Die Encounter in Fès
Uganda coach Paul Put and defender Jordan Obita have vowed that the Cranes will give everything when they face Nigeria in their decisive Group C fixture at the Africa Cup of Nations in Fès, Morocco.
With only one point from two matches, Uganda must win to keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 alive, while Nigeria, already qualified as group leaders, are aiming to complete a perfect group stage record.
‘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 on Tuesday. It will be hard, it will be difficult, but at this level everything is still possible,’ Put said, stressing the importance of belief and resilience.
Obita echoed his coach’s determination, highlighting the pride of representing Uganda on such a stage.
‘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,’ he said.
The Complex Sportif de Fès will host the encounter, which kicks off at 17h00 local time (5pm Nigeria).
It will be only the second time Uganda and Nigeria meet at the AFCON finals, their first clash dating back to the 1978 semi-finals when Uganda stunned Nigeria 2-1.
