Nigeria can enjoy a stress-free final group stage outing as they take on Uganda at the Africa Cup of Nations this afternoon. The Super Eagles head into the match having already secured a place in the AFCON last 16 with a game to spare, having followed a nervy 2-1 opening win over Tanzania with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Tunisia at the weekend in which they almost blew a three-goal lead. But Eric Chelle’s side held on to mean they will finish as Group C winners regardless of what happens today.
Nigeria have made eight changes for this game with their fate already decided, though star striker Victor Osimhen starts despite being only one yellow card away from suspension. Chelle wants to keep momentum high and ensure a more convincing result after receiving criticism in the aftermath of nearly collapsing late on against Tunisia, who will still have one eye on the knockout phase as they meet Tanzania.
Uganda are currently bottom of the group after losing 3-1 to Tunisia and needing Uche Ikpeazu’s late equaliser to draw with Tanzania, with the Cranes needing to beat Nigeria and hope that the result in Rabat falls in their favour. Follow Uganda vs Nigeria live below!
Uganda vs Nigeria highlights
- GOAL! Onyedika with a quick-fire second
- GOAL! Onyedika doubles lead against 10 men
- RED CARD! Uganda goalkeeper Magoola sent off
- GOAL! Onuachu slides Nigeria in front
Tunisia and Tanzania through as Angola crash out
18:12 , George FloodIt finished 1-1 between Tunisia and Tanzania in Rabat after Ismael Gharbi’s late first-half penalty was cancelled out by Feisal Salum soon after the break.
Tunisia go through as runners-up behind Nigeria in Group C, while Tanzania finish third on the same points and with the same goal difference as third-place Angola in Group B.
However, crucially Tanzania scored a goal more so look to be heading through at Angola’s expense, facing hosts Morocco in the last 16 in Rabat on Sunday evening.
For Nigeria, it will a meeting with the third-place team from Group F in Fez on Monday night.
That will be either Cameroon or Mozambique, who face off in Agadir tomorrow night.
Tunisia will take on Group A runners-up Mali in Casablanca on Saturday night.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
18:00 , George FloodFull-time
A third straight win for the Super Eagles to finish perfect in Group C, with Raphael Onyedika’s quick-fire second-half brace adding to a first-half strike from Paul Onuachu.
10-man Uganda are heading home with only a point to their name after a pretty disastrous afternoon in Fez, though they did restore some pride late on through Rogers Mato.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:58 , George Flood93 mins: Salim Fago Lawal is coming on for his competitive Nigeria debut in attack.
He replaces Chukwueze for the final few seconds.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:55 , George Flood90 mins: Uganda goalscorer Mato curls a free-kick well over from a difficult angle as we enter four minutes of second-half stoppage time in Fez.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:52 , George FloodIt’s still 1-1 between Tunisia and Tanzania in Rabat, a result which would send the former through as runners-up and leave the latter third with an identical record to Angola in Group B.
Will we have to draw lots to decide who advances into the last 16?
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:51 , George Flood87 mins: Osimhen is now finally heading off for Nigeria with just a few minutes to go.
Akor Adams in on.
For Uganda, Ikpeazu makes way for Jude Ssemugabi in attack.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:48 , George Flood82 mins: Tempers flare inside the final 10 minutes in Fez, with Nnadi and Osimhen involved.
Osimhen needs to steer clear given that another yellow card here would see him banned for the last 16.
Surprised he’s still on, actually.
Uganda are looking brighter with 10 men than they did with 11.
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
17:46 , George Flood78 mins: Two changes from Nigeria after that goal.
Zaidu Sanusi and Tochukwu Nnadi replace Onyemaechi and Onuachu.
GOAL! Uganda 1-3 Nigeria | Rogers Mato 75'
17:40 , George Flood75 mins: A consolation from the 10-man Cranes!
A fantastic low pass from Okello releases Mato, who coolly lofts the ball over Uzoho and in.
Nigeria will be furious to have conceded in a game they have totally controlled with a man extra, especially after the way they finished against Tunisia.
Uganda 0-3 Nigeria
17:36 , George Flood69 mins: Nigeria want more goals here as Dele-Bashiru goes close and Onuachu then misses the target with a header from a corner.
Ikpeazu is trying to lead Uganda forward but to little avail.
A nightmare afternoon for the Cranes.
GOAL! Uganda 0-3 Nigeria | Raphael Onyedika 67'
17:32 , George Flood67 mins: Onyedika with a quick-fire double!
The Club Brugge midfielder strikes low beyond Alionzi after more superb work from Chukwueze.
Same combination, same result.
The Super Eagles are soaring.
Uganda 0-2 Nigeria
17:30 , George Flood64 mins: Osimhen is upended by Alionzi as Nigeria pour forward again with their one-man advantage.
But once more the offside flag is raised against Nigeria’s talisman.
Ikpeazu into the book for Uganda.
GOAL! Uganda 0-2 Nigeria | Raphael Onyedika 62'
17:28 , George Flood62 mins: The Super Eagles double their lead against 10 men!
Chukwueze sets up Onyedika, who calmly slots through the legs of Alionzi.
Surely no chance for Uganda now.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:23 , George Flood58 mins: Midfielder Alhassan heads off as Uganda send on third-string goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi.
Chukwueze’s free-kick is struck well wide.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:20 , George Flood56 mins: An absolute disaster for Uganda as Osimhen is sent through and has an effort saved by the hands of Magoola, who was well outside his box.
He is rightly sent off immediately.
The Cranes are down to 10 men and will need to turn to a third goalkeeper of the night.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:18 , George Flood54 mins: Another foul by Kayondo leads to a free-kick wide on the right for Nigeria, with a dangerous delivery flicked away by Obita.
Uganda cannot afford to concede again here, under any circumstances.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:16 , George Flood52 mins: Nigeria have really upped the tempo now as a clipped ball from the byline skims off the head of an unmarked Osimhen before finding its way to Onyemaechi, who slams into the side netting.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:15 , George Flood50 mins: A big chance for Nigeria to double their lead early in this second half, but substitute Awaziem can’t fire home at the back post following the corner.
A real let-off for Uganda.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:13 , George Flood47 mins: An early sight of goal for Uganda in this second half after those attacking changes made by Paul Put, but the offside flag is belatedly raised.
Tanzania have equalised against Tunisia in Rabat through Feisal Salum.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
17:10 , George FloodBassey, on a yellow card, is being replaced by Chidozie Awaziem for the second half for Nigeria.
Uganda are making three half-time changes, with captain Onyango unsurprisingly replaced in goal by Salim Jamal Magoola.
Mutyaba and Omedi also make way for Allan Okello and Steven Mukwala.
Osimhen still on for the Super Eagles.
Second half underway! A huge effort needed from Uganda...
Tunisia lead Tanzania in Rabat
17:00 , George FloodTo bring you up to date with the other Group C action, Tunisia currently lead Tanzania 1-0 in Rabat thanks to Ismael Gharbi’s late first-half penalty.
If these results stay as they are, then Tunisia will go through to the last 16 as runners-up behind Nigeria.
Tanzania and Uganda would both be eliminated on one point apiece, with the Cranes finishing bottom.
It would be music to the ears of Angola, who would go through to the last 16 from Group B as one of the four best third-place teams.
Patrice Beaumelle’s side are watching on nervously this evening after their goalless draw with much-changed Egypt yesterday.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:56 , George FloodPaul Onuachu's goal is the difference after a competitive first half in Fez.
Much-changed Nigeria are on course for a third straight win to finish Group C, while Uganda will be heading home early without a comeback.
They need to really go for it after the break.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:51 , George FloodHalf-time
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:51 , George Flood49 mins: Nigeria earn a late first-half free-kick wide on the right wing.
Fulham’s Chukwueze steps up and the ball bounces around uncertainly at the front post before being cleared as Uganda look to break quickly.
Onyemaechi cleans up well and the half-time whistle sounds.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:46 , George Flood45 mins: Straight into the wall and a second scuffed attempt is cleared only as far as Bobosi Byaruhanga, who drives off target from range.
We will have four minutes of added time at the end of this first half, mostly because of those stoppages caused by the need for Onyango to receive treatment.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:44 , George Flood43 mins: Uganda have the chance to deliver a late first-half free-kick into the Nigeria box from the left after Alebiosu clatters Omedi.
Ikpeazu is down after clashing with Onuachu.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:43 , George Flood39 mins: Still Onyango continues in goal for Uganda.
Perhaps head coach Paul Put is waiting for half-time to make the switch.
Hibernian defender Obita with a crucial block now to thwart Simon after Nigeria poured forward down the right flank.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:41 , George Flood37 mins: Fine work from the impressive and tricky Simon to get past Sibbick and pick out the towering 6ft 7in figure of Onuachu, whose latest effort inside the box loops up off Alhassan before being caught on the line by Onyango.
The 40-year-old Ugandan skipper is now down for the third time and he’s surely going to need to come off soon.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:38 , George Flood33 mins: Left-back Kayondo - who plays for Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic - is dangerous on the break for Uganda and he sprints forward after another Nigeria opening, this time brought down by Dele-Bashiru.
Uganda 0-1 Nigeria
16:34 , George Flood31 mins: Nigeria have looked dangerous since scoring, with the ever-alert Osimhen leading the charge.
To make matters worse for Uganda, Onyango is down again just outside his box and will need treatment.
His potential replacement is warming up.
GOAL! Uganda 0-1 Nigeria | Paul Onuachu 28'
16:30 , George Flood28 mins: Deadlock broken by the Super Eagles!
Shortly after being denied by Onyango, ex-Southampton striker Onuachu slides to turn home Dele-Bashiru’s cross.
A huge blow to Uganda’s hopes of reaching the last 16, despite a promising start to this game.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:28 , George Flood27 mins: Nigeria are really ramping up the pressure now as a fine ball almost sends through Chukwueze.
Now Osimhen dances to the byline brilliantly and unselfishly tees up strike partner Onuachu, who is denied at point-blank range by Onyango.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:27 , George Flood23 mins: Uganda clear the resulting corner and thankfully for them, Onyango looks fine to carry on.
Salim Jamal Magoola is on the bench and started the first game for the Cranes against Tunisia.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:23 , George Flood21 mins: Sibbick with a woeful attempt at passing back to Onyango, under pressure from Onuachu.
Uganda’s experienced goalkeeper and captain looks to twist his ankle painfully as he chases the ball behind.
Ouch.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:21 , George Flood19 mins: Confident Uganda quickly come forward again, but this time Ikpeazu - wearing the No9 shirt - is rightfully flagged for offside.
Belgian head coach Paul Put will be pleased with the start his side have made here.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:19 , George Flood18 mins: More attacking promise from Uganda, who need to win today.
Mato’s deep left-wing cross is steered wide at the back post by Alhassan.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:18 , George Flood16 mins: Kayondo speeds to the byline and does well to earn a Ugandan corner, which is taken short and the eventual cross into the box is easily claimed by Super Eagles goalkeeper Uzoho.
Some early signs of promise for the Cranes in Fez.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:16 , George Flood14 mins: Nigeria debutant Alebiosu, who plays his club football at Blackburn, tries to scramble in a cross from the byline and collides painfully with Uganda left-back Kayondo.
They both look fine to continue.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:14 , George Flood12 mins: A fine ball into the Nigerian box from the left wing by Uganda, with Ikpeazu evading Bassey before glancing a header wide.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:10 , George Flood9 mins: Mato quickly returns for Uganda.
A huge chance for Nigeria after a tremendous run from Simon down the left flank and into the box, but Chukwueze can’t connect with his cutback from the byline.
Superb from Simon. Deserved a better finish.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:08 , George Flood6 mins: Mato is now down in pain for Uganda after accidentally being trodden on in the challenge by Onyedika.
A sharp blow to the top of the left foot for the North Macedonia-based forward, who limps off for further treatment.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:05 , George Flood4 mins: Fulham defender Bassey commits a foul on Ikpeazu and goes into the book early.
That seemed harsh.
Mato has a go from range but the ball flies well wide.
Uganda 0-0 Nigeria
16:04 , George Flood2 mins: A very early sight of goal for Osimhen, whose fierce low drive stings the palms of Uganda goalkeeper and captain Onyango.
The offside flag goes up.
Uganda vs Nigeria
16:01 , George FloodUnderway in Fez!
Can Nigeria maintain their 100 per cent record at this AFCON or will Uganda get a crucial victory to likely reach the last 16?
Time to find out...
Nigeria are in their white away strips with green trim for the first time at this tournament.
Uganda are in yellow and black.
Benin’s Djindo Louis Houngnandande is the match referee, with Algerian Lahlou Benbraham on VAR duty.
Teams are out
15:55 , George FloodThe players have emerged from the tunnel at the Fez Stadium.
It’s time for the national anthems, with ‘Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty’ to be followed by ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’.
Uganda legend Polly Ouma dies at 83
15:51 , George FloodSad news ahead of kick-off today, with Uganda mourning the loss of Cranes legend and former player and manager Polly Ouma aged 83
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim mourns Uganda Cranes AFCON Legend Polly Ouma
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) December 30, 2025
It is with profound sorrow that the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) announces the passing of our legendary former Uganda Cranes player and Head Coach Polly Ouma.
A stalwart… pic.twitter.com/M3fCSgwKT1
Kick-off approaching
15:49 , George FloodFinal preparations in Fez, where much-changed Nigeria are hunting a third consecutive win in Group C...
Warm Ups done
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 30, 2025
Kick off ⌛#Naija4TheWin pic.twitter.com/AHZQnWTXnA
Ikpeazu and Omedi start for Uganda
15:38 , George FloodUganda head coach Paul Put makes two changes to the side who drew with Tanzania at the weekend.
Uche Ikpeazu is rewarded for his swift equaliser off the bench in Rabat with a start in attack, where Denis Omedi also comes in.
Out go Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi.
Osimhen starts as Nigeria make eight changes
15:32 , George FloodSo in somewhat surprising news given that he was briefly limping against Tunisia and is only one booking away from a suspension that would see him miss the last-16 tie, Victor Osimhen starts in attack for Nigeria as usual this afternoon.
Stanley Nwabali makes way for deputy Francis Uzoho in goal, while Blackburn right-back Ryan Alebiosu earns his first senior cap in place of Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi keep their places in defence, though Semi Ajayi - also a suspension risk - is replaced by Igoh Ogbu.
Raphael Onyedika and Fikayo Dele-Bashiru are partnered in midfield as Frank Onyeka and captain Wilfred Ndidi drop out, while Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman are replaced by Moses Simon and the returning Samuel Chukwueze.
Osimhen, who wears the skipper’s armband, is partnered by Paul Onuachu up front, rather than Akor Adams.
Uganda team
15:13 , George FloodUganda XI: Onyango, Sibbick, Kayondo, Obita, Alhassan, Semakula, Byaruhanga, Ikpeazu, Omedi, Mutyaba, Mato
Nigeria team
15:10 , George FloodNigeria XI: Uzoho, Alebiosu, Igoh, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Onyedika, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze, Simon, Onuachu, Osimhen
Nigeria’s players were in great spirits as they arrived earlier at the Fez Stadium, where they have played every group fixture and will also return for the last 16 next Monday.
Lineups on the way...
You hear that? That’s the Super Eagles arriving. 💚🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeSoundDifferent pic.twitter.com/EZMp4xMbhO
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025
Eric Chelle coy on Nigeria changes
15:01 , George FloodAlong with Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and talisman Victor Osimhen also both picked up slight knocks against Tunisia and were being assessed by Nigeria ahead of facing Uganda.
“Yes or no, maybe, and we will see,” Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle said ahead of the game when asked if a number of fringe players would get their chance on Tuesday.
“We have a last training session, we will prepare for this game tomorrow.
“We are focused on this game, and after this training session I will take a decision about the team, maybe the system, maybe another philosophy.
“So, I will think about it after the training session.”
Nigeria typically play a 4-4-2 diamond system under Chelle, though did pivot to a 4-3-3 in the second half of their opener against Tanzania.
How can Uganda reach AFCON last 16?
14:47 , George FloodUganda are bottom of Group C heading into the last round of fixtures having been brushed aside 3-1 by Tunisia in Rabat before equalising late to earn a point against Tanzania at the weekend.
The Cranes, who were AFCON runners-up in 1978 and reached the last 16 in Egypt in 2019, must beat Nigeria this afternoon if they want to progress.
A win would take them through as group runners-up if Tunisia are beaten by Tanzania, though in that scenario Uganda would need to overturn their one-goal goal difference deficit to the Taifa Stars.
Four points would likely be enough for third and a place in the last 16 as one of the four best third-place finishers.
They would also finish third with a draw if Tanzania lose to Tunisia.
If they do not better Tanzania’s result or goal difference, they will be confined to fourth spot and an early exit.
Who will Nigeria face in AFCON last 16?
14:33 , George FloodNigeria know that they are already assured of a place in the last 16 at AFCON as Group C winners regardless of what happens in their game this afternoon or indeed in Tanzania vs Tunisia in Rabat.
They are set to face either the third-place team from Group B or the third-place team Group F in their first knockout match, which will also be at the Fez Stadium on Monday evening (January 5).
Angola finished third in Group B after successive draws with Zimbabwe and much-changed Egypt followed their opening defeat by South Africa.
Mozambique, meanwhile, are currently third in Group F after their historic 3-2 victory over Gabon that followed a narrow defeat by Ivory Coast.
They face Cameroon in Agadir tomorrow night, with the Indomitable Lions currently a point ahead of them in second place.
Debuts for Nigeria?
14:24 , George FloodCould we also see some first senior international appearances handed out by Nigeria in Fez this afternoon?
Blackburn defender Ryan Alebiosu was one of five uncapped players named in Eric Chelle’s final squad for AFCON, along with midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Usman Muhammed, plus striker Salim Fago Lawal.
Akinsanmiro and Lawal both made their debuts in the 2-1 defeat by Egypt in a warm-up friendly in Cairo earlier this month, but have yet to be called into competitive action.
Uganda vs Nigeria prediction
14:12 , George FloodIt is difficult to look past Nigeria for this one, but stranger things have happened and the fact that qualification for the last 16 and top spot in Group C is already secured does raise the prospect of a shock result.
Even so, we expect the Super Eagles to be far too strong for the Cranes as their firepower should secure a third straight win in the group phase.
Nigeria to win, 3-0.
Uganda team news
14:08 , George FloodUganda are also believed to have suffered no new injury concerns during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tanzania.
St Johnstone forward Uche Ikpeazu, formerly of Reading, Watford and Middlesbrough, scored the crucial equaliser just three minutes after coming on in Rabat and will be expected to start today.
Ikpeazu has Nigerian heritage and was open to playing for the Super Eagles in the past, according to ESPN.
Nigeria team news
14:00 , George FloodNigeria made two changes from their nervy opening 2-1 win over Tanzania for Saturday night’s dramatic 3-2 victory against Tunisia in which they almost blew a 3-0 lead late on, with Bruno Onyemaechi replacing Zaidu Sanusi at left-back and an extra midfielder added as Frank Onyeka replaced winger Samuel Chukwueze.
The Super Eagles are not believed to have suffered any fresh injury concerns, though head coach Eric Chelle is expected to make further changes today with his team’s status as Group C winners already assured.
That could mean rests for the likes of captain Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman and star striker Victor Osimhen, who, along with defender Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, are all only one yellow card away from a suspension that would rule them out of the last 16.
Yellow cards are wiped after the group stage at AFCON.
Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Chidozie Awaziem and Fikayo Dele-Bashiru are among the players who will hope for a chance to impress for Nigeria in Fez this afternoon.
Defenders Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick are both missing this tournament due to injury, while the likes of Tolu Arokodare, Maduka Okoye and Terem Moffi were among the most high-profile squad omissions.
Frank Onyeka also dealt with an ankle issue against Tunisia.
How to watch Uganda vs Nigeria
13:49 , George FloodTV channel: Every game at AFCON 2025 is being broadcast live in the UK across Channel 4’s network.
Uganda vs Nigeria will be shown on 4seven, with coverage starting at 3.55pm GMT.
Live stream: You can also watch the action live online via the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel, or through the official Channel 4 website and app.
Uganda vs Nigeria live
13:45 , George FloodGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Uganda vs Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
It’s the culmination of Group C on another busy day at AFCON, where Nigeria are already assured of top spot and a place in the last 16 regardless of what happens in Fez or over in Rabat, where Tunisia meet Tanzania at the same time.
Uganda, meanwhile, are bottom of the group and need a lot to go their way if they are to advance to the knockout stages.
Kick-off at the Fez Stadium is at 4pm GMT, so stay tuned for breaking team news and minute-by-minute game updates.
