Preview: Uganda vs Nigeria – stats, team news, line-ups | OneFootball

Nigeria take on Uganda today, having already booked their ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16.

The Super Eagles have beaten Tanzania and Tunisia in their opening two AFCON fixtures and sit three points clear at the top of Group C.

Uganda are hoping to beat the Super Eagles to bolster their chances of reaching the knockout stage, most likely as one of the best third-placed teams.

They sit at the bottom of the pile after taking just one point from their opening two games and have an inferior goal difference to third-placed Tanzania.

Match Preview

Nigeria claimed a frantic 3-2 win against Tunisia to qualify for the AFCON last-16 for the 16th consecutive campaign, although they made life difficult for themselves in the dying embers.

The Super Eagles raced into a commanding three-goal lead in the 67th minute, a stunning rout spearheaded by the 2024 African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

The Atalanta forward set up Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi on either side of half-time before getting on the score sheet in the 67th minute.

However, Nigeria somehow spent the closing stages holding their breath as a late header from Monastir Talbi and a well-taken penalty by Ali Al-Abdi dragged Tunisia back into the contest.

The North Africans came agonisingly close to completing a stunning comeback deep into stoppage time, but Nigeria ultimately held out for a narrow win.

Nigeria will have to work on running a tighter ship at the back heading into the knockout stage, considering they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last eight games.

The upcoming clash against Uganda could be the ideal opportunity to pick up their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Uganda came into AFCON 2025 with a point to prove after qualifying for the first time since 2019.

Things could have been different heading into the final matchday if Allan Okello converted his stoppage-time penalty in the 1-1 draw against Tanzania.

But they still stand a chance of going through. They just need to complete the small task of beating the three-time winners, having won just one of their last 10 AFCON fixtures (D3, L6).

Uganda AFCON form

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Nigeria AFCON form

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Team News

Uganda had no fresh injury news to report following their draw against Tanzania, so Paul Put is expected to name a strong XI as they look to defy the odds against Nigeria.

The Super Eagles will likely name a much-changed team, with Eric Chelle poised to ring the changes after securing a spot in the round of 16.

Uganda potential starting line-up:

(4-3-3): Denis Onyango; Aziz Kayondo, Toby Sibbick, Byaruhanga Bobosi, Jordan Obita; Kenneth Semakula, Travis Mutyaba, Allan Okello; Denis Omedi, Rogers Mato, Jude Ssemugabi.

Nigeria potential starting line-up:

(4-4-2): Stanley Nwabali; Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel; Moses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze; Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams.

Match prediction

Uganda have a surprisingly decent record against Nigeria. They’ve won four out of the last eight meetings with the Super Eagles across all competitions (D2, L2).

Their chances of extending that record will depend on how Chelle approaches the game, with his side already guaranteed a spot in the round of 16.

However, even with a heavily rotated squad, we expect the Super Eagles to extend their winning streak against Uganda.

Uganda 1-2 Nigeria.