Uganda vs Nigeria: Final Push for The Cranes Against Qualified Super Eagles
by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga
Win or Go Home for Uganda
Uganda must go for all three points in their game versus Nigeria if they hope to qualify. The Cranes have only earned one point thanks to their 1-1 draw with Tanzania. As it stands, Nigeria is already qualified after winning six points, with Tunisia at 3 points and Tanzania at 1 point.
While Uganda and Tanzania are level on points, the latter has a better goal difference. That means Uganda won't even make it to the third-placed playoffs as things stand. If they're lucky, Uganda can hope for at least a draw with the expectation that Tanzania loses by 2+ goals to Tunisia, placing The Cranes in third place.
But their best bet at a qualification spot is taking all three points against the Super Eagles in the Complexe sportif de Fès stadium. It's a tough task, but there's no better time than now against a qualified Nigeria, who'll likely rotate several key players.
What It'll Take for Uganda to Beat Nigeria in Morocco
With a win on the agenda, Uganda must be ready to net goals, and possibly multiple against a Super Eagles side that's scored in 15 straight senior team games.
The good news is that The Cranes have been somewhat competent offensively, scoring in both games against Tanzania and Tunisia. What's more, Uganda has scored in their last nine competitive games outside friendlies, and a staggering 20 of their last 21.
The Cranes also had 12 wins in that span, which translates to a 57% win rate. Their ability to net goals against even the best teams has kept Uganda a competitive side all year, with a second-place CAF WC qualifier finish to back that up.
And it's that offensive strength The Cranes must rely on to beat the Super Eagles. While Nigeria has been largely successful all year, their defence is notably leaky and has allowed three goals across both games so far. In addition, the Super Eagles have conceded in their last five senior team games and 14 of their last 18.
Omedi and Okello: Uganda's Last Hopes?
Winger Denis Omedi is already causing all sorts of problems for opposition defences. Omedi came off the bench to score the consolation goal against Tunisia, and then came off the bench once more to provide the assist for Uche Ikpeazu in the Tanzania draw.
After contributing to all of Uganda’s goals in just 70 minutes of play time, we doubt Omedi doesn't get a start against Nigeria. His presence alongside the Vipers’ Allan Okello will provide Uganda's frontline an extra boost in their elimination battle.
Okello has yet to open his AFCON 2025 campaign, but he has still been The Cranes' best player over the years. Since the African Cup of Nations qualifiers began, 25-year-old Okello has 14 G/A contributions for Uganda in just 17 games.
And for the Vipers in the Uganda Premier League, Okello has a staggering 24 goals in his last 21 games. If Uganda should win this game, it might just come down to how Okello and Omedi perform on the final day.
