Nigeria and Uganda are set to face off on Tuesday evening in a match that has different meanings for both teams.
Nigeria, who are three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, are wrapping up their group stage matches at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
They have already qualified for the Round of 16, no matter the result, and just need a draw to secure a top position in Group C.
Uganda, on the other hand, need a victory to have any chance of advancing past the group stage.
This is a tough test, especially since it’s been a long time since their first meeting in an AFCON semi-final in Kumasi, 47 years ago. The two teams have a history of competitive matches, with Uganda having a good record against Nigeria.
Nigeria’s goal keeper Denis Onyango and his teammates are responsible for their current situation of one point from their group matches.
After a tough game against Tunisia and a loss to Tanzania, Uche Ikpeazu came on and scored an equalizer against Tanzania. Nigeria had the chance to win, but Allan Okelo missed a key penalty.
For Uganda, their best chance is to beat Nigeria.
Nigeria’s mindset is focused on winning, maintaining their strong performance, and intimidating other teams. It’s unlikely Nigeria will be beaten easily.
Victor Osimhen has only scored once in this tournament, but Ademola Lookman, his replacement as Africa Player of the Year, has been in fine form.
Lookman has scored twice in this tournament and made two assists, showing he’s determined to make an impact.
Osimhen, now 27, is also a key player for Nigeria, known for his 32 goals in 48 matches.
He’s likely to play a key role and will be hard to stop.
Nigeria’s midfield is strong, with Wilfred Ndidi leading as a true captain and Alex Iwobi performing brilliantly.
Frank Onyeka also made a strong impression against Tunisia, and other players like Raphael Onyedika and Tochukwu Nnadi are yet to be tested.
Nigeria has the most appearances in AFCON knockout stages, and they have a strong group stage record, including their recent win over Tunisia.
They’ve only lost one of their last 16 AFCON group matches.
Uganda has a history of tough matches against Nigeria, with five competitive games.
They remember Philip Omondi’s goal that helped them beat Nigeria in 1978. Uganda has also won two of three friendly matches against Nigeria.
Uganda’s coach, Paul Put, has a strong squad, with players like James Bogere and Denis Omedi looking to make an impact.
Nigeria, who have scored 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, aim to reach 150 goals and more in this game which is set for 5pm on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Coach Eric Chelle said that everyone in the team deserves a chance to play, and that sometimes a player can change the game.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi emphasized that the focus is on the next match and the team’s atmosphere is positive.
The history between Nigeria and Uganda includes:
14 Mar 1978: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON semi: Kumasi)
26 Sep 1981: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Lagos)
29 Aug 1992: Nigeria 2-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Lagos)
17 Jul 1993: Uganda 0-0 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)
24 Mar 2007: Nigeria 1-0 Uganda (AFCONq: Abeokuta)
02 Jun 2007: Uganda 2-1 Nigeria (AFCONq: Kampala)
25 Mar 2015: Nigeria 0-1 Uganda (Friendly: Uyo)
20 Nov 2018: Nigeria 0-0 Uganda (Friendly: Asaba)
