Cranes and Super Eagles set to duel in Fes

Uganda face a tough task as they take on Nigeria in the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage game at the Fez Stadium in Fes on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Uganda’s struggles at the continental showpiece have continued. The country lost its first game 3-1 to Tunisia and drew with Tanzania, extending its winless run at the tournament to five games, having won only one of its last ten AFCON matches.

The Cranes sit bottom of Group C on one point with a goal difference of minus two.

They will need a win in their final group game and for Tanzania to lose or draw against Tunisia to stand a chance to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time since the 2019 edition, which was the teams’ last participation on the continental stage.

With two wins and six points from its first two games, Nigeria has already punched its ticket for the knockout stage.

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The Super Eagles took command of Group C with a 3-2 win over Tanzania on matchday two.

They will be looking to end their group stage run on a high note as they attempt to return to the tournament’s final for a second successive edition.

Despite slightly shaky defensive performances, which saw Tanzania equalise and Tunisia mount a two-goal comeback, the Nigerian attack is firing at full force, with stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman shining bright on the big stage.

The two sides have met on eight occasions, with Uganda claiming four wins, Nigeria having two and two games drawn. Their one and only AFCON meeting came in the 1978 semifinals where the Cranes won to advance to the final where they lost to Ghana.

WHAT WAS SAID

Nigerian head coach Éric Chelle stated that his side needs to get the small things right and keep focussed, despite having already reached the knockout stage.

"We have quality going forward, but at this level, small details matter. We must remain focused from the first minute to the last," said Chelle.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Uganda - Denis Omedi has been Uganda’s best performer at the 2025 AFCON, nabbing one goal and one assist in two games. The 31-year-old will be looking to add to his tally and lead his side to the round of 16.

Nigeria - Ademola Lookman has shown his quality at the tournament, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the Super Eagles’ two games. The 2024 CAF African Player of the Year will look to continue his fine form and end the group stage with a bang.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Uganda wins: 4

Nigeria wins: 2

Draws: 2