‘We Are Hungry for This Game and Have the Desire to Win’: Ndidi Vows Perfect AFCON 2025 Group Stage Finish in Fès

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has declared that he and his teammates are determined to secure all three points when they face the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday in Fès, Morocco, in their final Group C game of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria, already through to the Round of 16 as group leaders, are aiming for a perfect group stage record, while Uganda must win to keep their tournament hopes alive.

‘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,’ Ndidi said ahead of the clash.

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 coming in 1978 when Uganda stunned Nigeria 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Abdulla Nasur opened the scoring for Uganda, Martins Eyo equalised for Nigeria, but Phillip Omondi struck the decisive goal to send Uganda through.

Nigeria enters the match as firm favourites, having won their first two group games, while Uganda sits third with just one point from two matches. The Super Eagles will face either the third-placed team in Group B or Group F in the next round.

Ndidi also reflected on the honour of representing his country.

‘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,’ he said.