Who: Uganda vs Nigeria
What: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
The place: Fez Stadium in Fez, Morocco
When: Tuesday, December 30, at 5pm (16:00 GMT)
Methods to comply with: We’ll have all of the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 13:00 GMT upfront of our textual content commentary stream.
Nigeria have completed the onerous work early. Their place within the AFCON final 16 is booked, Group C prime spot assured, and Tuesday’s assembly with Uganda gives an opportunity to make it three wins from three in Morocco.
Beneficial Tales
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The Tremendous Eagles arrived on the match nonetheless reeling from the frustration of lacking out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, however back-to-back victories have helped them regain momentum and reassert their standing as real title contenders.
The three-time champions, who haven’t lifted the trophy since 2013, boast high quality throughout the pitch. Whereas their attacking risk has been evident, larger defensive solidity would be the focus once they face Uganda in Tuesday’s conflict in Fez.
Although the fixture carries little consequence for Nigeria, it’s a do-or-die encounter for Uganda, who should spring a serious upset in opposition to the West African giants to maintain their match hopes alive.
Right here’s every thing you have to learn about Uganda vs Nigeria:
What occurred in Nigeria’s first two matches?
Nigeria kicked off their AFCON marketing campaign with a slim 2-1 win over Tanzania, a recreation by which the Tremendous Eagles had been left to rue their incapability to transform probabilities.
However they bounced again with a powerful show of attacking prowess and survived a late rally by Tunisia to win 3-2, sealing their spot within the final 16.
What occurred in Uganda’s first two matches?
Uganda suffered a 3-1 defeat to Tunisia within the opening match and needed to accept a 1-1 draw with Tanzania within the second recreation.
Whereas Uganda had been inferior to Tunisia within the opener, they’d the prospect to seal victory within the second recreation in opposition to East African rivals Tanzania, however Allan Okello missed a penalty in stoppage time.
What are the AFCON Group C standings, and who can qualify?
Nigeria lead Group C with six factors, having registered two wins in two matches. They’re already by way of to the final 16.
Tunisia sit second with three factors, whereas Tanzania and Uganda are third and fourth respectively, each with one level every. All three groups are within the combine to qualify, although Tunisia have one of the best likelihood out of the trio, with a draw in opposition to Tanzania on Tuesday sufficient to progress.
The highest two groups from every group, together with one of the best 4 third-place groups, will advance to the spherical of 16.
Nigeria are assured to complete prime of Group C, no matter leads to the ultimate spherical. Even when they lose and Tunisia win the following match, each groups would end on six factors, with Nigeria forward on the competitors’s head-to-head tiebreaker.
Who will Nigeria face within the spherical of 16?
Nigeria will face a third-placed facet from Group A, B or F within the subsequent spherical on January 5. At present, it means it could possibly be certainly one of Zambia, Angola or Mozambique.
Like all of Nigeria’s group video games, the last-16 contest will even be held in Fez.
Who’re Nigeria’s greatest gamers?
With two objectives and two assists, Ademola Lookman is arguably Nigeria’s greatest participant and the match’s standout attacker to this point. The 28-year-old was the architect of Nigeria’s victories in each video games, taking part in an equal function as a playmaker and finisher.
Aside from him, striker Victor Osimhen has been one of the crucial feared attackers, whereas Alex Iwobi has been pulling the strings in midfield.
Who’re Uganda’s greatest gamers?
Attacking midfielder Okello, often called “Star Boy” in his homeland, is certainly one of Uganda’s key gamers. His late penalty miss in opposition to Tanzania proved pricey, however it does little to decrease his expertise and significance to the facet.
Midfielder Denis Omedi and striker Uche Ikpeazu, who each scored off the bench, have confirmed to be impactful and could possibly be handed begins.
Type information
All competitions, most up-to-date consequence final:
Nigeria: W-W-L-L-W
Uganda: D-L-L-L-W
Head-to-head
Uganda and Nigeria have performed one another a complete of eight instances, together with in aggressive and pleasant video games.
Though ranked 47 spots beneath Nigeria, Uganda have traditionally had a robust report in opposition to the mighty West Africans. Uganda have gained 4 instances, Nigeria have gained solely twice, whereas two video games led to a draw.
The final assembly between the groups came about in 2018 in a global pleasant, which led to a goalless draw. Their final AFCON face-off was in June 2007, when Uganda gained 2-1 in a bunch fixture.
AFCON data
Uganda have performed seven instances at AFCON, with their greatest consequence a runners-up end in 1978. In addition they completed fourth in 1962.
Nigeria have performed on the match 20 instances, ending winners on three events and runners-up 5 instances.
Nigeria workforce information
With the last-16 qualification secured, Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, is predicted to relaxation the same old starters and hand recreation time to different gamers.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, striker Osimhen and attacking midfielder Lookman are all one yellow card away from suspension and could possibly be rested.
Nigeria’s predicted lineup
Francis Uzoho (goalkeeper); Shiny Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Frank Onyeka; Raphael Onyedika, Wilfried Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onauchu
Uganda workforce information
Uganda head coach Paul Put will identify a full-strength facet for this must-win encounter. He has a totally match squad to select from.
Uganda’s predicted lineup
Denis Onyango (goalkeeper); Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo; Allan Okello, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Denis Omedi, Rogers Mato; Travis Mutyaba; Uche Ikpeazu
