BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria Super Eagles will play their last Group C match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Uganda in Fez on 30 December.

Historically, Nigeria had always found Uganda a hard nut to crack.

In eight previous confrontations, Uganda won four, including the elimination of Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 1978 edition in Ghana.

The last time both countries met was in 2015 to mark Nigeria’s skipper Enyeama’s 100th international cap in Uyo.

Uganda Cranes spoilt the celebration with a 1-0 home defeat for Nigeria in a match that Odion Ighalo made his debut.

Uganda have done it before, and they feel they can still do it. Skipper Khalid Acho is quoted by Ugandan publication, Nile Post as saying that the Cranes are heading for Morocco “with the intention of competing, not just participating.”

He noted that the upcoming tournament comes as a chance for the Cranes to not only compete but also to strive for excellence and bring pride to the country.

“Being at AFCON means you’re strong enough to compete with any team. Therefore, we will face all the teams and strive to make Ugandans proud,” Aucho said. “I know my boys. They will give their all,” he stressed.

Aucho led the Cranes through the AFCON qualifying matches in Group K, where they finished second, securing an automatic qualification for the tournament.

This will mark Uganda’s return to the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest football event, having missed the last two tournaments since their last appearance in the 2019 finals in Egypt.

At 31 years old, Aucho brings a wealth of experience, having represented the Uganda Cranes in their last two AFCON appearances in 2017 (Cameroon) and 2019 (Egypt).

Young Africans midfielder is expected to play a crucial role in coach Paul Put’s squad’s continental dream.

Nigeria -Uganda: Head-to-Head

P        W        D        L        F        A

Uganda                           8        4         2         2       6       5

Nigeria                            8         2         2        4       5       6

• 14 Mar.1978 (Afcon) Uganda 2-1 Nigeria  
• 26 Sep. 1981 (F) Uganda 1-0 Nigeria
• 29 Aug. 1992 (Afcon q) Nigeria 2-0 Uganda
• 17 Jul 1993 (Afcon q) Uganda 0-0 Nigeria            
• 24 Mar 2007(Afcon q) Nigeria 1-0 Uganda            
• 2 June 2007(Afcon q) Uganda 2-1 Nigeria
• 25 Mar. 2015 (F) Nigeria 0-1 Uganda
• 20 Nov. 2018 (F) Nigeria 0-0 Uganda

East Africa-based publication, Panafricafootball.com has unfolded the reactions of players and officials of Uganda Cranes following Monday night’s draw that pitted the team against Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Uganda Cranes will be the third team that the Super Eagles will play against when the final tournament is held in December.

Nigeria will play against Uganda on 30 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fez. Uganda along with Tanzania, another Group C opponent of Nigeria, are co-hosts of the Africa Nations Championship in August.

According to Pan Africa Football, the Uganda Cranes are gearing up for a challenging campaign.

The Cranes’ best-ever finish came in 1978 where they reached the final by eliminating Nigeria, 2-1 in the semi-finals.

Now under head coach Paul Put, the team aims to surpass past achievements and make a significant impact.

Here are the key reactions from the Uganda Cranes camp:

Paul Put – Uganda Cranes Head Coach

“There are no easy games in Africa. We are going to face Nigeria, the last edition’s finalists, and Tunisia, a team that consistently reaches the latter stages of this tournament.

“Tanzania adds the derby element, which is always intense. However, we must believe in ourselves.

“This is an opportunity for us to show what we can do, especially as we prepare to host the tournament in 2027.”

Khalid Aucho – Uganda Cranes Captain

“It’s not a bad draw. All these teams have earned their spot, but I trust the boys to give their all.

“We’re not going to just participate; we’re here to compete. Our focus is to make our fans proud, and I know the team will deliver.”

Allan Okello – Midfielder

“This is a good but tricky draw. Every team in this tournament is strong, but ours stands out because we face Nigeria and Tunisia, both football giants, as well as Tanzania, which makes for a competitive derby.

“As players, we need to prepare thoroughly and ensure we make a mark.”

Isima Watenga – Goalkeeper

“It’s a tough group, but we’re confident. The hard work and dedication we showed during the qualifiers give us belief.

“We’re ready to face any team and raise Uganda’s flag high.”

The Cranes will be hoping to leverage their teamwork, resilience and passion as they aim to rewrite history in the continental showpiece.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draw, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, drawn in Group C along with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, will have their camp in Fez, the second-largest city in Morocco.

Fez is in the northern inland part of the country. The team will be based at Hotel Saharai in Fez.

The five-star hotel is centrally located on a hill between the Medina (market) and the New Town thus offering unparalleled views of the city and its surroundings.

It is about 3km from the 17th-century Ibn Danan Synagogue and 6 km from the Marinid Tombs.

It features floor-to-ceiling windows with scenic views, the chic rooms have glass-enclosed marble bathrooms, and mosaic tile and/or exposed stone walls. They offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars and Nespresso machines, as well as safes. Suites add living areas. Some quarters have terraces.

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