Nigeria’s Super Eagles will chase a major milestone when they face Uganda on Tuesday evening, as the three-time champions target their 150th goal in Africa Cup of Nations history at the ongoing Morocco 2025 finals.
The Group C encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès brings contrasting motivations for both sides.
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Already assured of a place in the Round of 16, Nigeria need only a draw to seal top spot in the group, while Uganda must win to keep their slim knockout hopes alive.
Uganda have long been awkward opponents for the Super Eagles, dating back to their famous 2–1 victory in the semi-finals of the 1978 AFCON in Kumasi.
With just one point from their opening two matches, the Cranes arrive in Fez knowing only a victory will extend their stay in Morocco.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and his teammates were left frustrated after missed opportunities in earlier games.
Following defeat to Tunisia and a draw against Tanzania, in which Allan Okelo missed a crucial penalty, Uganda now face the daunting task of stopping a confident
Nigerian side determined to maintain momentum and send a strong message to the rest of the tournament.
Nigeria’s attacking firepower remains a major concern for the Cranes.
While Victor Osimhen has scored once so far, Ademola Lookman has once again lit up the AFCON stage, scoring twice and providing two assists in the group phase.
The former Africa Player of the Year look in devastating form, combining pace, precision and powerful left-footed finishes.
Osimhen, now on 32 goals in 48 appearances for Nigeria, will also be eager to mark his 27th birthday with a standout performance, adding another layer of danger to the Eagles’ frontline.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi has led by example, delivering commanding displays in Nigeria’s opening matches, while Alex Iwobi has been influential with his creativity and work rate.
Frank Onyeka impressed against Tunisia, and Eric Chelle still has options such as Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi available as he manages his squad.
Nigeria’s pedigree at the AFCON remains unmatched
The Super Eagles are featuring in the knockout stages for a record 19th time and have now recorded 35 group-stage wins in the competition’s history.
They have lost just once in their last 16 AFCON group matches.
Uganda, however, will draw confidence from past meetings.
In eight previous encounters with Nigeria, the Cranes have won four, drawn two and lost only twice.
Yet, they have progressed beyond the AFCON group stage just twice before — in 1978 and 2019.
Belgian coach Paul Put is expected to deploy his strongest lineup, with Uche Ikpeazu, James Bogere, Okelo and Denis Omedi all likely to play key roles.
For Nigeria, the numbers add extra motivation. With 149 goals scored in 106 AFCON matches, the Super Eagles are on the brink of a historic landmark and will aim to reach — and surpass — the 150-goal mark when kick-off comes at 5pm on Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Eric Chelle underlined his squad philosophy.
“The competition is not only for the starting eleven; everybody deserves a chance to play and show what they can offer the team,”
Chelle said. “Sometimes a player who makes a cameo appearance can change the outcome of games and even win a tournament.”
” For me, I want to present the best team every time.”
Captain Wilfred Ndidi echoed that confidence, adding:
“The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is on the next game.”
As Nigeria chase new milestones and Uganda fight for survival, Tuesday’s clash promises intensity, ambition and another significant chapter in AFCON folklore.
