Who: Uganda vs Nigeria
Content: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Location: Fez Stadium, Fez, Morocco
Date and time: Tuesday, December 30th, 5pm (16:00 GMT)
How to follow: All content will be broadcast on Al Jazeera Sports from 13:00 GMT, ahead of the text commentary stream.
Nigeria did the hard work early on. Their place in the last 16 of the AFCON is confirmed and they are certain to finish top of Group C, giving them a chance to make it three wins from three in Morocco when they face Uganda on Tuesday.
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The Super Eagles entered the tournament still reeling from the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but with back-to-back wins they regained momentum and reaffirmed their status as genuine title contenders.
The three-time champions have not lifted a trophy since 2013 but boast quality all over the pitch. Their attacking threat is clear, but a more solid defense will be the focus when they face Uganda in Fez on Tuesday.
The game will have little impact on Nigeria, but it will be a do-or-die affair for Uganda, who will need a major upset against the West African giants to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Here’s what you need to know about Uganda vs. Nigeria.
What happened in Nigeria’s first two games?
Nigeria started their AFCON campaign with a narrow 2-1 win over Tanzania, but the Super Eagles were left disappointed as they were unable to capitalize on their chances.
However, they showed great attacking power and bounced back, overcoming Tunisia’s late rally and winning 3-2, sealing their place in the last 16.
What happened in Uganda’s first two matches?
Uganda lost 1-3 to Tunisia in the first match, and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Tanzania in the second match.
Uganda were trailing by Tunisia in their first match, but had a chance to seal victory in the second leg against East African rivals Tanzania, but Alan Okello missed a penalty in stoppage time.
What are the standings in AFCON Group C? Who will qualify?
Nigeria leads Group C with 6 points with 2 wins from 2 matches. They have already advanced to the final 16.
Tunisia are second with three points, while Tanzania and Uganda are third and fourth with one point respectively. All three teams have a chance of qualifying, but Tunisia have the best chance of qualifying, with a draw with Tanzania on Tuesday enough to advance.
The top two teams in each group and the top four teams in third place will advance to the Round of 16.
Nigeria are guaranteed to finish Group C in first place regardless of the result in the final round. Even if Tunisia loses and wins the next game, both teams will finish with six points and Nigeria will win first in the head-to-head tie-break.
Who will Nigeria face in the round of 16?
Nigeria will play the third place teams from Groups A, B and F in the next round on January 5th. At this point, it could be Zambia, Angola or Mozambique.
Like all group games in Nigeria, the round of 16 competition will be held in Fez.
Who is Nigeria’s best player?
With two goals and two assists, Ademola Lookman is perhaps Nigeria’s best player and the outstanding attacker of the tournament. The 28-year-old was the driving force behind Nigeria’s victories in both games, playing the role of playmaker and finisher in equal measure.
Apart from him, striker Victor Osimhen is one of the most feared attackers, while Alex Iwobi is pulling the strings in midfield.
Who is Uganda’s best player?
Okello, an attacking midfielder known as ‘Star Boy’ in his home country, is one of Uganda’s key players. A late penalty miss against Tanzania proved costly, but it did little to diminish his talent and importance to the team.
Midfielder Denis Omedi and striker Uche Ikpeazu both scored off the bench but have proven to be impactful and could start.
form guide
All competitions, latest results are:
Nigeria: WLLW
Uganda: DLLLW
direct confrontation
Uganda and Nigeria have played each other eight times in total, including official matches and friendlies.
Although Uganda is ranked 47th below Nigeria, they have historically had a strong record against the mighty West Africans. Uganda won four times, while Nigeria won only twice, with two matches ending in a draw.
The last time the two teams met was in an international friendly in 2018, which ended in a scoreless draw. Their last AFCON encounter was in June 2007, when Uganda won 2-1 in the group match.
AFCON records
Uganda has participated in AFCON seven times, their best result being runners-up in 1978 and fourth place in 1962.
Nigeria has competed in the tournament 20 times, winning three times and finishing runners-up five times.
Nigeria team news
With a place in the last 16 now assured, Nigeria head coach Eric Shell is expected to rest his regular starters and give game time to other players.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabari, defender Semi Ajayi, striker Osimhen and attacking midfielder Lookman are all one game away from serving a suspension and could be rested.
Nigeria’s predicted lineup
Francis Uzoho (goalkeeper); Bright Ossai-Samuel, Chidoji Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi. Frank Onyeka. Rafael Onyedika, Wilfried Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Basile. Chidera Ijuku, Paul Onachu
Uganda team news
Uganda head coach Paul Putu will name a full squad for this must-win match. He can choose from a team that suits him perfectly.
Uganda’s predicted lineup
Dennis Onyango (goalkeeper); Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibic, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo. Alan Okello, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Dennis Omedi, Rogers Mato. Travis Muchaba. Uche Ikpeazu
