Uganda vs Nigeria: Qualified Super Eagles Tackle Desperate Cranes in Round 3
by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Thomas Vidaud
Why Momentum Matters for the Super Eagles’ AFCON Title Hopes
Nigeria has officially secured first place, meaning they will face a third-placed team from Group A, B, or F (currently looking like Comoros, Angola, or Mozambique). By winning the group early, they’ve successfully avoided a nightmare Round of 16 clash against heavyweights like Senegal or Mali.
The goal now for the Super Eagles is to keep the winning momentum going as the three-time winners hunt for their first AFCON title since 2013. Nigeria only needs a draw to remain undefeated, but walking away with all three points against The Cranes would send a massive message to the rest of the continent.
However, Uganda is fighting for its life. Sitting at the bottom of the group, they need a miracle win to sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams. See our expert’s Uganda vs Nigeria prediction!
With nothing to lose, Nigeria’s squad depth will be tested. Coach Chelle is expected to rest Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Ademola Lookman, giving opportunities to the likes of Cyriel Dessers and Paul Onuachu. In midfield, Raphael Onyedika is expected to start to give Alex Iwobi or Wilfred Ndidi a breather. Defensively, Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi is likely to get the nod at left-back to regain match fitness.
Can the Cranes Stun the Super Eagles?
Determination aside, can Uganda really defy the odds and beat Nigeria even with a rotated squad? It’s difficult to say, given the significant difference in quality that Nigeria’s bench players in the 2025 AFCON have over Uganda. But one thing’s for certain.
The Cranes can definitely net a goal against the Super Eagles, even with their starting defenders. Uganda scored in both games, netting a consolation goal against Tunisia in the 90th minute and the late equalizer against Tanzania.
What’s more interesting is that those back-to-back goals have now seen Uganda score in eight of their last nine competitive games outside friendlies and in 20 of their last 21. That scoring efficiency also won Uganda 12 of those 12 games, earning them a 57% win rate over that span.
That Uganda offence will go up against Nigeria, who have already conceded 3 goals in 2 games in this tournament and let in goals in 14 of their last 18 senior team games. Keeping a clean sheet has been a looming problem for the Super Eagles in recent times, and a hungry Uganda that can’t seem to stop scoring might just capitalise to save their AFCON 2025 dream.
Dealing With Okello and Omedi
Nigeria will also have to deal with Denis Omedi and Allan Okello, who have been major goal threats for both club and country in recent times. Despite coming off the bench in both games and playing a total of 70 minutes in this tournament, Omedi has a hand in Uganda’s only two goals.
Omedi scored the consolation goal against Uganda, then set up the equalizer against Tanzania that kept The Cranes in this tournament. Denis Omedi now has a goal contribution in his last four games (3 goals and 1 assist). But even more dangerous is Okello, who’s arguably Uganda’s best player all year.
The 25-year-old has contributed to 14 goals in just 17 games for Uganda since the AFCON qualifiers began last year. But he has put up even more ridiculous numbers for the Vipers in the Uganda Premier League, as he won the golden boot in the 2024/25 season with 19 goals. If Nigeria’s defensive lapses continue, Uganda may really have a chance of beating the Super Eagles with Okello and Omedi on their A-game.
