By VICTOR OKOYE (NAN)

Nigeria’s final Group C match offers a study in contrasts as relaxed Super Eagles confront Uganda’s Cranes battling for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 survival in Morocco.

For already qualified Nigeria, it is about momentum and management; for Uganda, it is a do-or-die gamble under Morocco’s cold evening sky.

History warns the Eagles. Uganda remain one of Nigeria’s most awkward opponents, dating back to their stunning 1978 semi-final victory in Kumasi.

That loss still echoes, the Cranes winning four of eight meetings, drawing two, and losing only twice against Africa’s three-time champions.

Uganda sits bottom of Group C with one point, punished by inefficiency in spite of flashes of courage against Tunisia and Tanzania.

Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango has marshalled bravely, but missed chances and Allan Okello’s failed penalty have left the Cranes cornered.

Substitutes have provided hope, with Denis Omedi scoring against Tunisia and Uche Ikpeazu equalising against Tanzania.

Coach Paul Put admits the margin for error is gone.

“We know what is at stake. Against Nigeria, you must be perfect or you suffer,” Put said.

Put insisted belief still fuels his squad in spite of the statistics weighing heavily against them.

“Nigeria are favourites, but football is not played on paper. We must fight for our country and our people,” he added.

Nigeria, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten, having defeated Tanzania and Tunisia to secure a 16th consecutive AFCON knockout appearance.

The Eagles have lost just one of their last 16 AFCON group matches, conceding consistency rarely matched on the continent.

Coach Eric Chelle said the final group game demands intelligence rather than complacency.

“This competition is not for eleven players. It is for the whole squad. Sometimes five minutes can change a tournament,” Chelle said.

He explained that the Uganda game is about balance and projection.

“We want to win, but we must also manage energy and prepare properly for the knockout stage,” Chelle added.

Nigeria’s attack continues to hum, led by Ademola Lookman, whose two goals and two assists already define the tournament’s early narrative.

Lookman has now recorded five AFCON goals and eight goal involvements in nine appearances, underlining his growing continental pedigree.

Victor Osimhen, celebrating his 27th birthday, remains a looming threat, boasting 32 goals in 48 international matches.

Chelle praised the striker’s mindset.

“Victor is focused, hungry and smiling. That is dangerous for opponents,” he said.

Midfield authority has also defined Nigeria’s dominance, with captain Wilfred Ndidi anchoring play and Alex Iwobi dictating tempo.

Ndidi said qualification has not dulled the Eagles’ edge.

“The mood is positive, but nothing is taken for granted. Every game here demands full focus,” Ndidi said.

He stressed the importance of finishing top of the group.

“Winning habits matter. We want to carry momentum into the next round,” he added.

Uganda will lean on history and courage, knowing they have beaten Nigeria twice in competitive qualifiers and remain unbeaten in three recent meetings.

Put believes fearlessness is the Cranes’ only route.

“We must be brave, disciplined and efficient. If we hesitate, Nigeria will punish us,” he warned.

As kickoff approaches at the Complex Sportif de Fès, destiny pulls in opposite directions.

For Uganda, it is one last stand; for Nigeria, another measured step toward continental ambition. (NAN)

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