1xBet AFCON 2025 showdown: All you need to know as head-to-head record favours Uganda over Nigeria

The Complex Sportif de Fès will be the stage for a decisive Group C showdown between Uganda and Nigeria, with qualification for the Round of 16 of the 1XBET CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 hanging in the balance.

The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 17h00 local time (16h00 GMT).

The fixture carries historical weight, marking just the second time both nations will meet at the AFCON finals. Their only previous tournament clash dates back to the 1978 semi-finals, a dramatic contest that saw Uganda edge Nigeria 2–1 to book a place in the final.

Uganda struck first in that encounter through Abdulla Nasur in the 11th minute, before Martins Eyo restored parity for Nigeria shortly after the hour mark. Phillip Omondi then netted the decisive goal four minutes later, sealing victory for the Cranes.

Nigeria approach this match with confidence after sealing early qualification, having recorded back-to-back wins in their opening group fixtures. Uganda, however, face a must-win situation, sitting third in Group C with just one point from two matches and needing victory to keep their hopes alive.

Both teams’ representatives shared their views at the pre-match briefing ahead of the crucial tie.

Pre-match comments

Paul Put – Uganda’s Coach

“We are facing a very good team — finalists in the last African edition — and they have shown their quality again. But we are playing Nigeria, and we know exactly why we are here. If we want to change our situation, we must get a good result. We have no other option. I hope the players will give their very best tomorrow. It will be hard, it will be difficult, but at this level everything is still possible.

It gives me confidence because I think we played a very good game.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t win, but it still gives you a good feeling. To face Nigeria, you have to come off the pitch with confidence — because if you are not confident, it becomes very complicated. The performance was good, the mentality was good and the commitment was good. I think the players will perform at the same level they showed against Tanzania. We go into this game with full confidence.”

Jordan Obita – Ugandan half-back

“Playing against Nigeria is really good. As a player, it’s our dream to play against the best players… We will give our best to stand a chance to get a result and improve our chances of qualifying. We know the expectations on us here and back at home, so we will do our best not to disappoint.”

Eric Sekou Chelle – Nigeria’s Coach

“Of course, as I said, you need your moment in the game, but football is unpredictable. When you get an opportunity, it’s very important to take it. We know we are not going to have ten chances in this match, so sometimes one opportunity has to be enough to decide the game. We will see how it goes, we will try, and we will go out and play. I think all the players know that we have to go for it, and I believe they will do exactly that.”

Wilfred Ndidi – Nigeria Captain

“I feel really privileged to be here and to be part of the team — it’s a great cause. I always try my best to give everything for the team. Every player wants to be in a national team, and even the younger players look up to us. I was one of them, looking up to the great players in red. Being here is truly a privilege, and I am really, really honoured to be part of it.

We are hungry for this game and have the desire to win. Everyone in the squad knows the importance of this match, and we are ready to give our all on the pitch.”

Match stats – Uganda vs Nigeria

Uganda’s campaign has been challenging so far. The Cranes opened with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Tunisia before settling for a 1–1 draw against Tanzania. Notably, both of Uganda’s goals at 1XBET AFCON 2025 have come from substitutes — Denis Omedi against Tunisia and Uche Ikpeazu versus Tanzania. Omedi has played a direct role in both goals, finding the net once and providing an assist. Allan Okello was particularly active against Tanzania, registering five shots — the highest by any Ugandan player in a single match at the tournament. Defensively, Uganda have struggled, conceding four goals from seven shots on target faced and extending their winless run at AFCON to five matches.

Nigeria, on the other hand, have been far more convincing. Victories over Tanzania and Tunisia have already secured the Super Eagles a place in the knockout stage. They have now found the net in nine consecutive AFCON matches and are chasing a clean sweep of group-stage wins for the first time since 2021.

Victor Osimhen scored his second goal of the tournament in the previous outing, with Ademola Lookman providing the assist. Lookman has now been involved in three goals at AFCON 2025. Nigeria’s remarkable consistency is further underlined by their record 16 straight appearances in the AFCON knockout rounds, reinforcing their status as favourites going into the match.

Historically, the head-to-head record slightly favours Uganda, who have won four of the eight meetings between both sides, compared to Nigeria’s two victories, with two draws.

Uganda are unbeaten in their last three encounters against the Super Eagles (W2 D1), though Nigeria’s experience and depth are expected to pose a significant challenge in Fez.

NB: 1XBET IS THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF AFCON 2025.