AFCON 2025: Uganda vs Nigeria preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

The Super Eagles have already secured their spot in the knockout phase, following a hard-fought victory over Tunisia. Despite a late scare, Nigeria held on for the three points, ensuring their progression with a game to spare.

Uganda sit bottom of Group C, and their hopes were dashed in their previous match against Tanzania when Allan Okello missed a crucial stoppage-time penalty, denying them a vital win.

Now, the Cranes must defeat the Super Eagles to have any chance of advancing to the last 16.

Meanwhile, Eric Chelle's Super Eagles are flying. In their last outing, goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman secured a comfortable lead with just over 20 minutes remaining.

However, late strikes from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi set up a tense finale. Having survived that test, Nigeria now aims to enter the round of 16 with a 100% winning record.

Uganda have four wins of the eight meetings between the sides (D2, L2), although their latest encounter was a friendly in November 2018 that ended 0-0. Five of the remaining seven H2Hs were decided by a single-goal margin.

With their tournament survival on the line, Uganda must adopt an attacking strategy. A victory is essential to put them in contention for qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. This could see Uche Ikpeazu, who scored as a substitute against Tanzania, earn his first start of the competition.

For Nigeria, despite a dominant performance for 70 minutes against Tunisia, the shaky conclusion may prompt coach Eric Chelle to make changes.

Caution will be key, as Nwabali, Osimhen, Semi Ajayi, and Ademola Lookman are all one yellow card away from a suspension for the round of 16.

Neither country seemingly suffered any injuries over the weekend.

Uganda (4-4-1-1) Onyango (GK); Ssemakula, Sibbick, Obita, Kayondo; Okello, Byaruhanga, Alhassan, Mato; Mutyaba; Ikpeazu

Nigeria predicted lineup (4-3-3) Nwabali (GK); Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi; Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

While Nigeria are the clear favourites, the fact that they have already secured top spot in the group opens the door for a potential upset. However, the Super Eagles' superior firepower should be enough to see them through.

• Nigeria to win

• Under 3.5 goals