Uganda's national team head coach, Paul Put, has issued a confident challenge to Nigeria's Super Eagles just hours before their decisive final Group C match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Put's Confident Message to the Super Eagles
The Belgian tactician made it clear that his Ugandan side, known as the Cranes, will not be intimidated when they face the tournament finalists from the last edition. The crucial match is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes at 5 pm Nigerian time.
Put emphasized that belief is the key ingredient for any team hoping to get a result against the star-studded Nigerian squad. He stated that his players must step onto the pitch with full confidence to stand a chance.
"We are facing a very good team, finalists in the last African edition, and they have shown their quality again," Put told CAF Online. "I hope the players will give their very best tomorrow. It will be hard, it will be difficult, but at this level everything is still possible."
He pointed to his team's performance against Tanzania as the benchmark, expressing hope that players like Nigerian-born striker Uche Ikpeazu would rise to the occasion.
A Daunting Historical Record for Nigeria
History firmly supports Put's optimistic stance. The head-to-head record between the two nations reveals that Uganda has traditionally been a tough opponent for Nigeria.
The two countries have met eight times in total, with Uganda holding a significant advantage with four victories. Nigeria has managed only two wins, while two matches ended in draws.
Their sole AFCON meeting was in the semi-final of the 1978 tournament in Ghana, where the Cranes emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, a fact the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) acknowledges by describing Uganda as "difficult customers."
How Group C Will Be Decided
The final round of Group C matches presents different stakes for each team. Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, has already secured qualification to the knockout stage. The Super Eagles need just a single point from the match to guarantee they finish as group winners.
Uganda, however, faces a must-win scenario. They require all three points and a favourable goal difference to have a chance of qualifying in second place or as one of the best third-placed teams. Their tournament survival is on the line.
In the other simultaneous match, Tunisia will battle Tanzania in Rabat. The Carthage Eagles need a victory to ensure their progression, or they could advance with a draw if Nigeria prevents Uganda from winning.
Despite the historical data, Nigeria enters the clash with significant momentum from their previous performances in this tournament. Coach Eric Chelle's men are determined to maintain their winning spirit and secure top spot in the group as they build towards the latter stages of AFCON 2025.
Where to Watch: Nigerian fans can follow the action live on DStv's SuperSport channels 202, 204, 252, and 254. Viewers in Francophone countries should tune in to Canal+ Afrique.
