Uganda vs Nigeria: 5 things to expect from Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles

This is where tournaments get tricky. Nigeria have already clinched a ticket to the knockout stage in Group C, but what should be a comfortable final group match against Uganda carries hidden dangers that have derailed confident teams throughout AFCON history.

Will Eric Chelle rest key players ahead of the knockouts? Can fringe squad members prove their worth when given the opportunity? And most importantly, can Nigeria avoid the classic trap game against a Uganda side with nothing to lose and everything to prove?

As the Super Eagles prepare for their final Group C showdown in Fez, Chelle faces the delicate balancing act between rotation, maintaining momentum, and avoiding complacency. 

Here are five critical elements that will define Nigeria's approach against the Cranes.

With round of 16 secured, expect Chelle to ring the changes to keep his starters fresh for the Round of 16. This represents a golden opportunity for squad players to prove they're more than just backups, they're genuine contributors capable of maintaining Nigeria's standards.

Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, and Paul Onuachu could lead the attacking line, providing a completely different look while allowing the first-choice forwards to rest. 

In midfield, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are strong candidates to start, giving Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi the well-deserved break their legs need after two intense group matches.

New boys like Ryan Alebiosu and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro could get their official debuts and between the posts, Francis Uzoho might finally get his opportunity for match rhythm. Should Stanley Nwabali pick up an injury or suspension later in the tournament, Uzoho needs competitive minutes to ensure he's sharp when called upon.

The rotation isn't just about rest, it's about building squad depth and confidence. Every player who performs well against Uganda becomes a viable tactical option for Chelle in the knockout rounds, expanding his strategic possibilities when opponents start studying Nigeria more intensely.

Chelle's biggest pre-match headache isn't tactical, it's disciplinary. Several key pillars of the team are currently one yellow card away from a suspension that would devastate Nigeria's Round of 16 preparations.

Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi are all on thin ice, sitting on yellow cards that make them unavailable for the next match if they receive another caution. The risk-reward calculation is simple: playing them against Uganda isn't worth potentially losing them for a knockout match where Nigeria's tournament could end.

Don't be surprised if these four are left out of the starting XI entirely, or even remain on the bench throughout the match. Chelle has shown himself to be a pragmatic coach who thinks several steps ahead. Protecting his most important players from unnecessary disciplinary risk is the kind of tournament management that separates good coaches from great ones.

Despite the victory against Tunisia, Eric Chelle was reportedly furious about the late collapse that saw Nigeria concede two goals in the final 20 minutes. That defensive lapse, even in a winning effort, represents exactly the kind of concentration failure that can prove fatal in knockout football.

Expect heavy emphasis on defensive organisation and maintaining intensity for the full 90 minutes. This match provides the perfect testing ground for Chelle's secondary defensive unit, likely featuring Chidozie Awaziem or Igoh Ogbu, alongside Calvin Bassey, to prove they can execute "Chelle-Ball" principles without the mental lapses that plagued the Tunisia match.

The coach will be watching closely to see if his defensive reserves can maintain shape, communicate effectively, and avoid the kind of late-game exhaustion that leads to dangerous mistakes. If they can't manage it against Uganda, how will they handle the pressure of a knockout tie?

History provides an uncomfortable warning for Nigeria. Uganda has traditionally been a bogey team for the Super Eagles, with the Cranes winning four of their last eight meetings, a record that defies the apparent gap in quality between the two nations.

Uganda arrives in Fez playing for their tournament life, which makes them exponentially more dangerous than their group stage position suggests. Teams with nothing to lose often deploy physical, high-intensity approaches that can unsettle more talented opponents who aren't mentally prepared for the battle.

Chelle will expect his rotated side to match Uganda's inevitable aggression while maintaining the technical superiority Nigeria is known for. The challenge isn't just winning, it's winning the right way, demonstrating that even Nigeria's second string can control matches and impose their style regardless of the opponent's desperation.

This is where squad depth gets tested. Can the fringe players handle a physical encounter against motivated opposition without panicking or reverting to chaotic football? The answer will tell Chelle a lot about what he can realistically ask from his rotation options if injuries or suspensions force changes in the knockout rounds.

Nigeria have the opportunity to finish the group stage with a perfect record—three wins from three matches. Only a handful of teams achieve this feat in modern AFCON history, and doing so sends a massive psychological message to every potential opponent watching from other groups.

Chelle has built a culture around winning every duel and maintaining professional standards regardless of circumstances. Even with a rotated squad facing a supposedly weaker opponent, the expectation remains the same: dominate possession, create clear chances, and secure the victory.

A perfect group stage isn't just about statistics, it's about establishing an aura. When other contenders see Nigeria dismantling every opponent they've faced, including with rotation players, it plants seeds of doubt. It forces rivals to question whether they have the quality to compete with a team that wins even when not playing their strongest XI.

The psychological impact of perfection shouldn't be underestimated in tournament football, where confidence and momentum can be as valuable as tactical preparation.

Uganda vs Nigeria has all the ingredients of a classic trap game. Qualification secured, key players rested, opponents desperate for points, and historical precedent suggesting this matchup is never as straightforward as it appears on paper.

How Chelle and his rotated squad navigate these challenges will reveal much about Nigeria's genuine championship credentials. Can they maintain professional standards when the stakes feel lower? Can fringe players step up when given responsibility? Can they avoid the complacency that transforms should win into an embarrassing upset?

The answers will come in Fez, where a supposedly meaningless match could define how the rest of the continent views Nigeria's title chances. Win convincingly with a rotated side, and the Super Eagles look unstoppable. Struggle or lose, and suddenly those knockout opponents won't seem quite so intimidated anymore.