AFCON 2025 squads, squad news and stats

Uganda vs Nigeria preview

Uganda must beat Group C winners Nigeria to join their rivals in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when the teams meet in Fes on Tuesday.

The Cranes lost the first leg 3-1 to Tunisia but earned a 1-1 draw in an East African derby against Tanzania on Saturday thanks to an 80th-minute header from St Johnstone striker Uche Ikpeazu.

« The spirit of the team is very high, » said Ugandan player Jordan Obita. « We know we have to win, so we can’t go in with any fear. We have to go in with full belief and that’s what we’re going to do.

« I believe in the team. There is pressure every moment of every day for every athlete. Pressure is good – that’s why we are footballers.

« We don’t want it to be easy. We know Nigeria is very strong and we want to play against the best players in the world. »

Talisman Victor Oświęcim opened his account in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday, while fellow striker Ademola Luqman scored in that win and their first defeat, 2-1 at the hands of Tanzania.

« At every moment I feel the pressure and the expectations of this side, » said Eric Chele, the coach of the three-time champions. « I feel the expectations of the players.

« I like this AFCON. The competition is very good. The structure, the pitches, the organization – everything is perfect. »

Uganda vs Nigeria: AFCON squad news

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is a doubt for Nigeria with an injury that Chele suggested was minor, while the Malian made it clear he plans to rotate his squad, predicting his squad will be a « surprise ».

Chele has named Brugge midfielder Raphael Oniedika as one of the players who deserves to come in. Paris FC winger Moses Simon, fellow Sevilla player Chidera Ejuke and Nantes defender Chidozi Awaziem came off the bench against Tunisia.

Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, Lookman and Osimhen are among the rest candidates after each making two starts.

Uganda coach Paul Puth’s changes against Tanzania included the introduction of 40-year-old Dennis Onyango in place of Salim Magula in goal.

London-born Ikpeazu may have staked his claim for a starting spot with this potentially valuable goal and Alan Okello may feel he has something to prove after missing a late penalty.

Winger Rodgers Mato is a prospect for Uganda after being prolific for Macedonian club Vardar.

Uganda vs Nigeria: AFCON 2025 predicted squads

Uganda starting XI: Dennis Onyango, Kenneth Semakula, Tobi Sibi, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Alan, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Baba Alhassan, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Jude Semugabi

Nigeria starting XI: Francis Uzoho, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igo Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyeedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu

How to Watch Uganda vs Nigeria: TV Channel, Online Live Stream

Kick-off on Tuesday is at 16:00 GMT (11:00 ET / 08:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage is on Channel 4’s All4 and 4seven. In the US, beIN Sports is the broadcaster of the tournament.

Live streaming online is available on a wide range of devices The Channel 4 website and the beIN Sports app and app.

Uganda vs Nigeria: AFCON 2025 Stats

• Uganda are without a win in five AFCON matches (D2 L3) after a 2-0 win over DR Congo in their opening match of the 2019 tournament, which also brought their last clean sheet at the finals
• Their only win in the last match of the AFCON group stage was a 3-0 win over Morocco in 1978.
• A 1-1 draw with Mali in 2017 was the last time they avoided defeat in such a match, losing in 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2019.
• If Uganda fail to win, they will exit the tournament for the sixth time without registering a victory, having also done so in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2017.
• They could go beyond the group stage for only the third time after 1978 and 2019
• Nigeria would make a record 16th consecutive appearance in the knockout phase and 19th overall, having last failed to advance in 1982.
• The win over Tunisia was Nigeria’s 35th win in the group stage of the finals, achieved in their 59th group match (W35 D14 L10); only Egypt (41) has more wins in the group stage.
• Each of their last four AFCON group stage matches resulted in one-goal victories, with their last group stage victory by a wider margin coming in a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in 2019.
• Their last run of five consecutive wins in AFCON group matches came in their last two matches in 2004 and all three group matches in 2006.
• They have scored in nine straight AFCON matches since the 2021 Round of 16 defeat to Tunisia.