Uganda have surprisingly won four of their eight encounters with Nigeria, including their sole previous AFCON meeting, a 2-1 semi-final victory in Kumasi in the semi-finals back in 1978.
Their most-recent clash came in an international friendly in Asaba in November 2018, ending goalless.
Uganda vs Nigeria preview
This Africa Cup of Nations campaign could hardly have gone any better for Nigeria thus far, so will they make it three wins out of three? In their tournament opener, the Super Eagles beat Tanzania 2-1, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. Then on Saturday night, they raced into a 3-0 lead against Tunisia in Fez, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Lookman again on target, only to concede two late goals, but they did enough to secure the victory.
This means Éric Chelle are already guaranteed top spot in Group C, so will remain at Fez Stadium for a round of 16 tie on Monday night, facing a third-place finisher from Group A, B or F. Nigeria are three-times Cup of Nations champions, appearing in an eighth final just last year, beaten 2-1 by hosts Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan back then. This time round, having missed out on World Cup qualification, they are doubly determined to go all the way. So, can the Super Eagles win all three group stages matches at AFCON for only the third time, after 2006 and 2022?
Uganda meantime must win to remain in the tournament, hoping to take advantage of the fact that this is a dead-rubber for their opponents. The Cranes lost their opener 3-1 against Tunisia, with Denis Omedi's stoppage time goal a mere consolation at Stade Olympique de Rabāṭ. Then, at the weekend, Uche Ikpeazu's equaliser ten minutes from time salvaged a draw against Tanzania at Al Medina Stadium, a 1-1 scoreline that does not really help either side involved.
The Red Devils were AFCON runners-up in 1978, but have won only one of nine matches at the tournament since, back at the competition having missed the last two editions. Well, it would be a massive surprise if Paul Put's team were victorious here, even against a rotate Nigeria side.
Uganda vs Nigeria head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 8.
- Uganda Wins: 4. Draws: 2. Nigeria Wins: 2.
Uganda team news
Jordan Obita of Hibs and Burton's Toby Sibbick will continue to form part of Paul Put's defence.
St Johnstone striker Uche Ikpeazu only made his Uganda debut in September, scoring his second goal for the Cranes on Saturday, so could he be their hero again?
Uganda predicted lineup vs Nigeria: (4-5-1): Onyango; Sibbick, Torach, Obita, Kayondo; Byaruhanga, Alhassan, Okello, Mato, Mutyaba; Ssemugabi.
Uganda player to watch vs Nigeria
Rogers Mato is the top-scorer in the Uganda squad with seven, most recently bagging a brace against Mozambique in September.
Nigeria team news
Given that this is a dead-rubber, Éric Chelle is likely to heavily rotate, possibly even making 11 changes.
Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are especially likely to be protected, as they are one yellow card away from a suspension.
Nigeria predicted lineup vs Uganda: (4-3-3): Uzoho; Alebiosu, Ogbu, Awaziem, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Onyedika, Akinsanmiro; Simon, Ejuke, Dessers.
Nigeria player to watch vs Uganda
With Osimhen and Akor Adams likely to be rested, former Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers could lead the line, looking to net for the Super Eagles, as he did during May's Unity Cup against Ghana in West London.
Uganda vs Nigeria prediction
Even with a heavily-rotated team, Nigeria are likely to be too strong for Uganda at Fez Stadium, maintaining their perfect record and sending the Cranes crashing out: Uganda 0-2 Nigeria.
Uganda vs Nigeria FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Uganda vs Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Uganda vs Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Uganda vs Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Uganda vs Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Uganda vs Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Uganda vs Nigeria takes place on Tuesday 30 December 2025, with kick off at 16:00 (GMT), 11:00 (ET) & 8:00 (PT).