Rabat, Morocco: Uganda Cranes defender Jordan Obita has called on his teammates to play with belief and unity as they prepare for a decisive Group C showdown against Nigeria Super Eagles at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
Obita said the mood in the Uganda camp remains positive despite the pressure surrounding the must-win fixture, insisting fear has no place as the Cranes fight to keep their qualification hopes alive.
“The team spirit is very high. We know we need to go into the game for a win, so there is no room for fear,” Obita said. “We must play with full belief.”
Uganda and Nigeria will face off for the second time at the AFCON finals when they meet in their final Group C match. The stakes are high for Uganda, who require a positive result to advance, while Nigeria arrive with maximum points from their opening two matches and already assured of progression.
Historically, the contest has produced competitive encounters. In eight previous meetings across all competitions, Uganda hold a slight edge with four wins, compared to Nigeria’s two, while two matches ended in draws.
In AFCON qualification campaigns for the 1994 and 2008 tournaments, Nigeria registered two victories, Uganda claimed one, and one match ended level. The most recent meeting between the two sides was a goalless international friendly played in Asaba on November 20, 2018.
Their only previous AFCON finals meeting dates back to the 1978 semi-final, when Uganda defeated Nigeria 2–1. Abdulla Nasur gave the Cranes an early lead in the 11th minute, Martins Eyo equalised for Nigeria in the 54th, before Phillip Omondi struck the decisive goal four minutes later to send Uganda into the final.
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