Overview
Nigeria often makes things difficult for themselves in seemingly easy matches. Super Eagles once again had to strain themselves to maintain their bravery to beat Tunisia 3-2, despite leading by 3 goals.
For most of the match, Eric Chelle's team dominated thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. However, Monastir Talbi's header in the 74th minute and Ali Al-Abdi's penalty rekindled hope for the North African representative, helping them almost complete a spectacular comeback in injury time.
This result continues to clearly expose both Nigeria's strengths and weaknesses at both ends of the field. They have scored and conceded in 7 of their last 8 matches, including the 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the opening match of the tournament.
Super Eagles currently have won 7/10 recent matches, and the latest result also extends their impressive performance in the AFCON group stage with 7 wins in 9 matches (1 draw, 1 loss).
Although they have secured a place in the knockout round for the 16th consecutive time and soon won the top spot in Group C, Nigeria still wants to continue to consolidate their position as a championship contender with a victory.
The three-time AFCON champion still pursues the first continental title since 2013. Success here will partly soothe the pain of defeat in last year's final, and compensate for missing the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Uganda's failure to participate in next year's World Cup is less noticeable, and second place in the qualifying round can still be considered a remarkable achievement.
Since closing the qualifying campaign with a defeat to Algeria, Uganda has lost 2 in the next 4 matches (1 win, 1 draw), including a 1-3 defeat to Tunisia on the opening day of AFCON.
Returning to the continental finals for the first time since 2019, Uganda won their first point at the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in the second leg. However, the feeling of regret remained, when Allan Okello missed a penalty in injury time, causing them to lose the victory.
That means Paul Put's team has only had one victory in the last 10 matches at AFCON (3 draws, 6 losses). Now, they face the risk of being eliminated from the group stage for the fifth time in eight tournament appearances.
A relatively favorable head-to-head record against Nigeria may add more confidence to Uganda. They have won 4/8 of their most recent encounters (2 draws, 2 losses).
Uganda will aim to improve that statistic, in the context that they can still win a ticket to the knockout round as one of the third-placed teams with the best results.
Personnel situation
Uganda drew with Tanzania without any further losses, helping coach Paul Put have enough personnel to choose from.
The 69-year-old coach made five changes in the starting lineup in the second match, including the goalkeeper position. Jamal Salim was pushed to the bench to make way for experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
Carrying Nigerian blood, Uche Ikpeazu is trying to win a starting spot after scoring the equalizer against Tanzania in the most recent match.
In the opposite direction, Chelle made two adjustments in the starting lineup of the Super Eagles compared to the opening match. Bruno Onyemaechi replaced Zaidu Sanusi in the left-back position, while Frank Onyeka was prioritized over Samuel Chukwueze in midfield.
In the context that Nigeria has secured a place to advance, it would not be surprising if names like Chidera Ejuke, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu and some other players were given more opportunities to play.
Expected lineup:
Onyango, Kayondo, Sibbick, Byaruhanga, Obita, Semakula, Mutyaba, Okello, Omedi, Mato, Ssemugabi.
Nwabali, Onyemaechi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Lookman, Osimhen, Adams.
The match between Uganda and Nigeria takes place at 11:00 PM on December 30 (Vietnam time).
