Last meets first in Group C as Uganda take on already-qualified Nigeria at Fez Stadium on Tuesday in round three of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
The Cranes will be aiming for a much-needed result after picking up just one point from their opening two games, starting with a 3–1 defeat to Tunisia before settling for a 1–1 draw against Tanzania, a result that could have been better had Allan Okello converted his stoppage-time penalty.
Paul Put’s side have managed just one win in their last five outings (D1, L3) and are at risk of exiting at the group stage for a fifth time in eight AFCON appearances. A victory here would improve their chances of progression, with the best third-placed team route also available if finishing second proves out of reach.
For Nigeria, there is little at stake, as they have already secured group honours following a 2–1 opening-day victory over Tanzania and a hard-fought 3–2 win against Tunisia in their second match. The Super Eagles raced into a three-goal lead but had their backs against the wall late on, conceding two goals after the 70th minute.
Despite already being assured of finishing top, the three-time AFCON winners will aim to claim another victory to reinforce their status as tournament favourites and continue their bid for a first continental title since 2013.
How the bookies view it: Nigeria priced too high?
Ladbrokes have priced Nigeria at 23/20, which appears quite generous for a side ranked 47 places above their opponents in the FIFA World Rankings. The pricing likely reflects the relative importance of the match for each team, with more at stake for Uganda.
The Cranes are priced at 21/10, suggesting a chance for the underdogs, while a draw is available at 2/1.
Recent head-to-head: Uganda hold the advantage
Uganda have won four of the previous eight meetings between the two nations (D2, L2), with the most recent clash ending in a goalless friendly in July 2018.
Players to watch: Ademola Lookman to star again?
Uche Ikpeazu came off the bench to score Uganda’s equaliser against Tanzania and could earn a start here, with the match carrying personal significance as he is also of Nigerian descent.
Ademola Lookman has been in fine form in this AFCON, contributing four goals – two scored and two assisted – and the 3/2 on offer at Bet365 for him to score or assist on Tuesday looks appealing.
Probable lineups
Uganda appear to have a clean bill of health heading into the contest, while Nigeria could rotate some players under Eric Chelle.
Uganda: Onyango; Kayondo, Sibbick, Byaruhanga, Obita; Semakula, Mutyaba, Okello; Omedi, Mato, Ssemugabi
Nigeria: Nwabali; Onyemaechi, Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel; Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Anything else that catches the eye?
Both teams have found the net in seven of Nigeria’s last eight matches, while Uganda have done so in four of their last five, suggesting another goal for each side is likely.
Meanwhile, over 2.5 goals have landed in nine of Uganda’s last 14 games, and with Nigeria’s last three matches featuring three or more goals, we could see a high-scoring encounter on Tuesday.
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