Prediction: Uganda vs Nigeria

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Already certain to finish top of Group C, Nigeria take on Uganda at Fez Stadium on Tuesday in the final round of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage.

The Super Eagles have won their opening two matches and sit three points clear at the summit, while the Cranes occupy bottom spot with a single point, trailing Tanzania on goal difference.

Uganda

Uganda’s absence from next year’s global showpiece has drawn little criticism, and finishing second in their qualifying group was still considered respectable. However, since ending their qualification campaign with defeat to Algeria, the Cranes have endured mixed fortunes, losing two of their last four matches (W1, D1), including a 3-1 reverse against Tunisia in their AFCON opener.

Returning to the continental finals for the first time since 2019, Uganda earned their first point of the tournament in a 1-1 draw with Tanzania on matchday two. Yet, it felt like a missed opportunity after Allan Okello squandered a stoppage-time penalty that could have secured victory.

Paul Put’s men now face the prospect of a fifth group-stage exit in eight AFCON appearances, having managed just one win in their last 10 matches at the tournament (D3, L6). A positive result on Tuesday is crucial, as they could still progress as one of the best third-placed teams even if second spot proves elusive.

Encouragingly, Uganda boasts a favorable head-to-head record against Nigeria, winning four of the previous eight meetings (D2, L2). That history offers a glimmer of hope as they prepare for this daunting challenge.

Team News

Uganda emerged from their draw with Tanzania without fresh injury concerns, giving Put a full squad to choose from. The 69-year-old coach made five changes last time out, including in goal, where veteran Denis Onyango replaced Jamal Salim and could retain his place.

Uche Ikpeazu, who scored the equalizer against Tanzania, is pushing for a start.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s campaign has been marked by dominance and vulnerability in equal measure. The Super Eagles raced into a three-goal lead against Tunisia through strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman, only to concede twice late on in a nervy 3-2 win.

That result highlighted their attacking prowess and defensive frailties, having scored and conceded in seven of their last eight matches. Their opening 2-1 victory over Tanzania followed a similar pattern.

Nigeria has now won seven of their last 10 games and boasts an impressive AFCON group-stage record of seven wins from nine (D1, L1). With passage to the knockouts secured for a 16th consecutive edition and top spot confirmed, Eric Chelle’s men aim to reinforce their status as title contenders.

The three-time champions are chasing their first continental crown since 2013, eager to banish memories of last edition’s final defeat and compensate for missing out on the 2026 World Cup.

Team News

Chelle made two changes against Tunisia, introducing Bruno Onyemaehi at left-back and Frank Onyeka in midfield, and both could keep their places.

Osimhen opened his account, Ndidi scored his first international goal, and Lookman netted in consecutive AFCON matches. With qualification assured, rotation is likely, meaning opportunities for Chidera Ejuke, Moses Simon, and Paul Onuachu.

Head-to-Head

Uganda’s historical edge—four wins from eight meetings—adds intrigue to this fixture, though Nigeria’s recent form and superior squad quality make them strong favorites.

The Cranes will hope to draw inspiration from past successes as they fight to keep their tournament alive.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s attacking firepower and defensive lapses suggest another high-scoring contest, even with potential rotation.

Uganda’s resilience could make this competitive, but the Super Eagles are expected to prevail in a hard-fought encounter at Fez Stadium.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster