Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, has admitted he anticipates a grueling encounter as the Cranes prepare to take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their final Group C fixture. The East African side continues to hunt for its maiden victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a challenging start to the tournament in Morocco.
Uganda opened their campaign with a 3-1 loss to Tunisia and subsequently earned a 1-1 draw against regional rivals Tanzania, leaving them in a precarious position where only a win against the group leaders can keep their Round of 16 dreams alive.
Nigeria enters this contest with significantly less pressure, having already punched their ticket to the knockout phase. The Super Eagles sit comfortably at the top of the standings after securing back-to-back victories against Tanzania and Tunisia.
Consequently, head coach Éric Chelle likely intends to rotate his squad for the Tuesday afternoon match at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, providing vital minutes to fringe players while resting his key stars for the upcoming elimination rounds. Despite the potential for a rotated Nigerian lineup, Put remains wary of the sheer depth and quality available to his opponents.
“I told the players we must keep believing and fight until the last game. We are disappointed, but we have to reset and prepare for Nigeria. It won’t be easy,” Put said ahead of the game.
The Cranes must overcome a significant historical hurdle, as they look to rediscover the form that saw them reach the finals decades ago. While the Ugandan camp expresses disappointment over their missed opportunity to secure three points against Tanzania, the coaching staff is focusing on mental recovery and tactical discipline. To progress, the Cranes will need to neutralize Nigeria’s offensive threats while finding the clinical edge that has eluded them in their previous two outings on Moroccan soil.
About the Author
