AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Uganda Preview, Prediction, Betting Tips
Nigerian national football team, Super Eagles to face the Cranes of Uganda. Photo Credit- Pulse Sports
Already-qualified Nigeria face elimination-threatened Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fez, Morocco, hosts a lopsided Group C finale on Tuesday, December 30, at 5:00 PM local time (4:00 PM GMT). The Super Eagles, under Eric Chelle, have secured top spot and a round of 16 berth with back-to-back wins, aiming for a perfect nine points and momentum ahead of the knockouts. Uganda’s Cranes, coached by Paul Put, sit bottom with one point and must win to harbor slim hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, though even victory may not suffice if results elsewhere fall unfavorably. This clash pits Nigeria’s attacking flair against Uganda’s desperate resilience, in a group where Tunisia (three points) and Tanzania (one point) contest the concurrent fixture for second place.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles recent form
Nigeria have been Group C’s standout, dispatching Tanzania 2-1 in their opener before a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tunisia on December 27, goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman overcoming a late scare. The three-time champions have scored in nine straight AFCON matches, with seven wins in their last nine group-stage games (D1 L1), showcasing fluidity in midfield and vulnerability at the back (conceding in seven of last eight). Chelle’s side eyes a fourth perfect group-stage record in AFCON history, compensating for their 2026 World Cup qualification miss.
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Uganda’s Cranes recent performance
Uganda, returning to AFCON after 2019, have struggled: A 3-1 opening loss to Tunisia followed by a 1-1 draw with Tanzania (Uche Ikpeazu equalizing, but Allan Okello missing a stoppage-time penalty). The Cranes have one win in their last 10 AFCON matches (D3 L6), conceding four goals from seven shots on target faced. Put’s men sit winless in five AFCON games, facing a fifth group-stage exit in eight appearances unless they upset the favorites.
Nigeria’s Tactics
Chelle’s 4-3-3 emphasizes high pressing and transitions, with Ndidi’s midfield shield (2.5 tackles/90) freeing Iwobi and Lookman (two goals, two assists combined) to supply Osimhen. Expect rotation for freshness—potentially resting stars—but Nigeria’s depth projects 60% possession and exploitation of Uganda’s flanks (40% goals conceded there).
Uganda’s Tactics
Put’s 4-4-1-1 prioritizes a compact block, with Okello’s creativity (five shots vs Tanzania) feeding Ikpeazu’s physicality. Substitutes have sparked both goals (Omedi involved in each), but Uganda’s low press (45% duels won) risks exposure to Nigeria’s pace.
Nigeria’s team news and injuries
Nigeria boast a clean bill, allowing Chelle heavy rotation: Stanley Nwabali in goal; possible debuts or rests for Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and youngsters like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Core stars Osimhen, Lookman, and Ndidi may start or bench for knockout prep.
Predicted Nigeria XI (4-3-3): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Adams (or rotated Ejuke/Onuachu).
Uganda’s team news and injuries
Uganda report no major injuries; Put fields near-full strength, with Denis Onyango in goal, Jordan Obita defending, and Ikpeazu (Nigerian roots) leading the line alongside substitutes Omedi and Mato Rogers.
Predicted Uganda XI (4-4-1-1): Onyango; Ssemakula, Sibbick, Obita, Kayondo; Okello, Byaruhanga, Alhassan, Mato; Mutyaba; Ikpeazu.
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Predicted scoreline
Nigeria’s superior quality prevails, even rotated—Osimhen and Lookman exploit gaps for a comfortable win, securing nine points and top spot. Uganda snag a consolation via Ikpeazu, but fall short of progression. A high-scoring affair beckons, with Nigeria’s attack overwhelming the Cranes’ defense.
Prediction: Nigeria 3-1 Uganda
Betting Tips to use
Play Nigeria to Win @ 1.40, Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.95. Both Teams to Score (BTTS) Yes @ 2.10. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman Anytime Scorer @ 1.80. Ademola Lookman 2+ Shots on Target @ 2.20. Nigeria Win to Nil @ 2.50. Half-Time/Full-Time: Nigeria/Nigeria @ 2.00.
