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Nigeria Aim for Perfect Group Stage, Uganda Fight for Survival in AFCON Clash

Fez, Morocco – Nigeria’s Super Eagles, already assured of a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 and top of Group C, face Uganda on Tuesday, December 30th at Fez Stadium (5 PM GMT) in what is a crucial match for both sides, albeit for vastly different reasons.

Having secured qualification with back-to-back wins against Tanzania (2-1) and Tunisia (3-2), the three-time champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2013, are looking to complete a perfect group stage record. While the result is inconsequential for Nigeria, it’s an oppotunity to test their overall team cohesion. Coach Eric Chelle is expected to rotate his squad, especially resting key players who are a yellow card away from suspension.

For Uganda, the match is a do-or-die situation. The Cranes, currently at the bottom of Group C with one point, must pull off a major upset against Nigeria to have any chance of progressing to the next round. A loss to Tunisia (3-1) and a draw against Tanzania (1-1), which saw Allan Okello miss a crucial stoppage-time penalty, have left their tournament hopes hanging by a thread. Coach Paul Put will field a full-strength side, and hopes that Omedi and Ikpeazu will continue their impactful plays.

While history slightly favors Uganda, who have won four of the eight previous encounters against Nigeria (including a 2-1 AFCON win in 2007), the Super Eagles have been in impressive form. Ademola Lookman has been the tournament’s standout performer so far.

The match promises high stakes and contrasting ambitions as Nigeria aim for a confident march into the knockout stages, and Uganda fight for their AFCON survival.

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