CAN 2025 composition, team news and statistics

Uganda-Nigeria Overview

Uganda must beat Group C winners Nigeria to join their opponents in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), when the teams meet in Fez on Tuesday.

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

“The team spirit is very high,” said Ugandan player Jordan Obita. “We know we have to win, so we can’t go there with fear. We have to go there with full belief, and that’s what we’re going to do.

“I believe in the team. There is pressure at any time of the day for any 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 Osimhen opened his tally in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday, while compatriot Ademola Lookman scored in that win and the opening 2-1 win over Tanzania.

“Every moment I feel the pressure and the expectation of this country,” said Eric Chelle, the coach of the three-time champion. “I feel the expectations of the players.

“I like this CAN. The competition is very good. The structure, the grounds, the organization, everything is perfect.”

Uganda vs Nigeria: CAN team news

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is doubtful for Nigeria due to an injury Chelle considers minor, while the Malian has made it clear he plans to rotate his squad, predicting his line-up will be a “surprise”.

Chelle named Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as one of the players worth signing. Paris FC winger Moses Simon, his Sevilla counterpart Chidera Ejuke and Nantes defender Chidozie 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 candidates to be rested after making two starts each.

Changes made by Uganda coach Paul Put against Tanzania included the introduction of 40-year-old Denis Onyango in place of Salim Magoola in goal.

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

Winger Rogers Mato could be a game-changer for Uganda, having been prolific for Macedonian club Vardar.

Uganda versus Nigeria: predicted composition of CAN 2025

Uganda starting lineup: Denis Onyango, Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbi, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Allan, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Baba Alhassan, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Jude Ssemugabi

Nigeria starts on eleven: Francis Uzoho, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu

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

Kick-off on Tuesday will be at 4:00 p.m. GMT (11:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT). In the UK, live coverage is provided on Channel 4’s All4 and 4seven. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.

Online live streaming is available on a wide range of devices via Channel 4 website and the beIN Sports app and app.

Uganda vs Nigeria: CAN 2025 statistics

• Uganda are winless in five AFCON matches (D2 L3) since a 2-0 win over DR Congo in their opening match of the 2019 tournament, which also produced their last clean sheet in the final
• Their only victory in an AFCON group stage final match was a 3–0 win over Morocco in 1978.
• A 1-1 draw against Mali in 2017 was the last time they avoided defeat in such a match, losing in 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2019.
• If Uganda does not win, it will exit the tournament for the sixth time without recording a victory, as in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976 and 2017.
• They could advance past the group stage for only the third time, after 1978 and 2019.
• Nigeria will make a 16th consecutive knockout stage appearance and 19th overall, most recently in 1982.
• The victory against Tunisia was Nigeria’s 35th group stage victory in the finals, achieved in their 59th group match (35 wins, 14 draws, 10 losses); only Egypt (41) has more victories in the group stage.
• Each of their last four AFCON group stage matches ended in a one-goal victory, with their last group stage victory coming by a larger margin in a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in 2019.
• Their last streak of five consecutive wins in AFCON group matches occurred in their last two matches in 2004 and all three group matches in 2006.
• They have scored in nine consecutive AFCON matches since their round of 16 loss to Tunisia in 2021.