Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles will chase a serious milestone after they face Uganda on Tuesday night, because the three-time champions goal their a hundred and fiftieth purpose in Africa Cup of Nations historical past on the ongoing Morocco 2025 finals.
The Group C encounter on the Complexe Sportif de Fès brings contrasting motivations for each side.
Already assured of a spot within the Spherical of 16, Nigeria want solely a draw to seal prime spot within the group, whereas Uganda should win to maintain their slim knockout hopes alive.
Uganda have lengthy been awkward opponents for the Tremendous Eagles, courting again to their well-known 2–1 victory within the semi-finals of the 1978 AFCON in Kumasi.
With only one level from their opening two matches, the Cranes arrive in Fez figuring out solely a victory will prolong their keep in Morocco.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and his teammates had been left pissed off after missed alternatives in earlier video games.
Following defeat to Tunisia and a draw in opposition to Tanzania, by which Allan Okelo missed an important penalty, Uganda now face the daunting process of stopping a assured
Nigerian aspect decided to keep up momentum and ship a robust message to the remainder of the event.
Nigeria’s attacking firepower stays a serious concern for the Cranes.
Whereas Victor Osimhen has scored as soon as to this point, Ademola Lookman has as soon as once more lit up the AFCON stage, scoring twice and offering two assists within the group section.
The previous Africa Participant of the 12 months look in devastating kind, combining tempo, precision and highly effective left-footed finishes.
Osimhen, now on 32 targets in 48 appearances for Nigeria, will even be desirous to mark his twenty seventh birthday with a standout efficiency, including one other layer of hazard to the Eagles’ frontline.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi has led by instance, delivering commanding shows in Nigeria’s opening matches, whereas Alex Iwobi has been influential along with his creativity and work fee.
Frank Onyeka impressed in opposition to Tunisia, and Eric Chelle nonetheless has choices reminiscent of Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi out there as he manages his squad.
Nigeria’s pedigree on the AFCON stays unmatched
The Tremendous Eagles are that includes within the knockout phases for a report nineteenth time and have now recorded 35 group-stage wins within the competitors’s historical past.
They’ve misplaced simply as soon as of their final 16 AFCON group matches.
Uganda, nevertheless, will draw confidence from previous conferences.
In eight earlier encounters with Nigeria, the Cranes have received 4, drawn two and misplaced solely twice.
But, they’ve progressed past the AFCON group stage simply twice earlier than — in 1978 and 2019.
Belgian coach Paul Put is predicted to deploy his strongest lineup, with Uche Ikpeazu, James Bogere, Okelo and Denis Omedi all more likely to play key roles.
For Nigeria, the numbers add further motivation. With 149 targets scored in 106 AFCON matches, the Tremendous Eagles are on the point of a historic landmark and can goal to succeed in — and surpass — the 150-goal mark when kick-off comes at 5pm on Tuesday.
