Former Nigeria international Andrew Uwe has cautioned the Super Eagles against lowering their guard when they face Uganda on Tuesday in what could be a decisive, table-topping Group C encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

Nigeria have already sealed qualification for the Round of 16, but needs at least a point from the final group match to guarantee top spot. Uwe warned that a defeat could see the Super Eagles drop to second place should Tunisia defeat Tanzania, with the North Africans likely to move ahead on goal difference.

Speaking to Sports Village Square from his base in Germany, Uwe stressed the importance of focus and discipline against an Ugandan side still chasing qualification.

“I am delighted to see the team regaining their esteem and confidence,” Uwe said. “But this is not the time to relax. Matches like this are dangerous because the pressure is different. Uganda have everything to fight for, while Nigeria must still protect their position at the top of the group.”

Uwe, a former central defender, is fondly remembered for captaining Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to their first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they claimed third place at the 1985 edition in the Soviet Union after a fierce battle with the host nation.

He believes the Super Eagles must approach the Uganda match with the same intensity that earned them qualification, noting that finishing top of the group could provide a psychological and tactical advantage heading into the knockout phase.

“Tournament football rewards consistency,” he added. “If the Super Eagles maintain their focus and hunger, they can carry this momentum deep into the competition.”

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Gabon are facing an early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after slipping to a 3-2 defeat to Mozambique in their Group F clash in Agadir, which ended a 40-year wait for a victory at the continental finals for the southern African side.

Gabon have now lost their opening two games while Mozambique have three points from their two fixtures, the same number as Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, who meet later on Sunday. If that match ends in a draw, Gabon will be eliminated.

Mozambique scored their goals via Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila in a deserved victory in which they were led by 42-year-old winger Elias Pelembe. It is their first win at the continental finals at the 17th attempt since their debut in 1986.

Gabon stayed in the contest to the end as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda netted goals, but back-to-back defeats mean their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 are hanging by a thread with a match against defending champions Cote d’Ivoire to come on Wednesday.

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By Kunle Solaja

Nigeria’s next strike at the Africa Cup of Nations will carry historic significance, as the Super Eagles stand on the threshold of their 150th goal in the tournament’s history.

The landmark moment narrowly eluded the three-time African champions in their dramatic 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday in Fez. Ademola Lookman’s third goal of the night briefly appeared to be the milestone strike, but historical records show that an earlier encounter between Nigeria and Tunisia 47 years ago was officially awarded 2–0 to Nigeria following a Tunisian walkout, despite ending 1–1 on the pitch. That adjustment means Nigeria currently sit on 149 AFCON goals.

As a result, the Super Eagles’ first goal in their next Group C match on Tuesday will officially become Nigeria’s 150th at the continental finals — a journey that began in 1963.

That trail was first blazed by Asuquo Ekpe, who scored Nigeria’s maiden AFCON goal against Egypt in Kumasi on November 24, 1963, reducing the deficit to 3–1 in a match Nigeria eventually lost 6–3. Ekpe’s effort marked the country’s entry onto Africa’s biggest football stage.

Several iconic moments have since defined Nigeria’s scoring milestones. The 50th and 60th goals were both scored by legendary striker Rashidi Yekini, while Obinna Nsofor netted the 100th goal in a tense quarter-final against Tunisia at Port Said in 2006 — a match Nigeria won on penalties.

The most recent chapter was written again by Lookman, whose strike against Tunisia in Fez last Saturday became Nigeria’s 149th AFCON goal. Earlier in the same match, newly appointed captain Wilfred Ndidi found the net for the first time in Super Eagles colours, consolidating Nigeria’s lead and underlining his growing leadership role.

Also on target was Victor Osimhen, who opened the scoring and took his international tally to 32 goals in 47 appearances. The Napoli forward now needs just five more goals to equal Yekini’s long-standing national record of 37.

Beyond the numbers, Nigeria still have important business to settle in Group C. Although the Super Eagles have already secured qualification for the Round of 16 — becoming the second team at the tournament to do so after Egypt — they must avoid defeat in their final group match to guarantee top spot. A loss to Uganda, combined with a heavy Tunisia win over Tanzania, could still see Nigeria drop to second place.

Finishing first would allow Nigeria to remain in Fez for the Round of 16, where they would face one of the third-placed teams from Groups A, B or F — a logistical and tactical advantage.

When the Super Eagles next score, it will not only push them closer to another AFCON title challenge but also etch a new milestone into Nigeria’s rich continental football history.

Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations Milestone Goals

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