Uganda’s coach at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Paul Put has admitted that his side lost 3-1 to Nigeria in their last group game because the Super Eagles have better quality players and stronger physical impact.
Sports247 was present live as Put opened up at length during the post-match press conference after the game in the main bowl of Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Read Also: Nigeria Power Past Uganda to Seal Group C Top Spot at AFCON 2025 | Sports247 Nigeria
A first half goal by Paul Onuachu and two second half strikes from Raphael Onyedika gave Nigeria victory and kept them top of Group C, on an evening when Victor Osimhen captained the team.
Although Put admitted he would have loved to reach the AFCON final, as he did with Burkina Faso in 2013, the Belgian tactician commended his players for fighting hard until they suffered an unfortunate red card.
Put stated, “We could see the difference between Nigeria and Uganda. The physical impact was quite different, and it was difficult for us from the start.
“We tried to play tight, but when we were down to ten men, it became more difficult. I cannot say the boys didn’t want to win, but we could see the difference in quality.”
He concluded with words of appreciation to all his players but admitted that failing to defeat Tanzania in their second group match was the biggest setback that marred their outings at AFCON 2025.
The widely travelled tactician conceded, “We have a young team, and only two or three have participated previously in AFCON.
“We could have qualified for the next round, but we lost our qualification against Tanzania.”
