The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C is set to conclude with a clash between Nigeria's Super Eagles and Uganda's Cranes on Tuesday, December 30, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. This final group stage fixture carries vastly different implications for the two nations: Nigeria has already secured qualification for the knockout phase as group leaders, while Uganda, with only one point from two games, faces a do-or-die situation to keep their qualification hopes alive, potentially as one of the best losers.

Despite Nigeria's comfortable position, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has stressed the team's unwavering focus on achieving a flawless group stage campaign, dismissing any complacency. He highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad and their determination not to dwell on past failures, such as the 2021 AFCON disappointment, emphasizing that the current team is solely concentrated on the present challenge and the privilege of representing Nigeria.

Uganda arrives with immense pressure, and their motivation could be a dangerous factor for a potentially rotated Nigerian side. The Cranes are an organized and hungry team built around a core of influential players. Key among them is Allan Okello, the creative heartbeat and most productive attacker. The Vipers SC midfielder, who was the Uganda Premier League’s Golden Boot winner last season, has six goals in 32 senior appearances—more than any other currently available player. Okello's intelligence, ability to link play, and strikes from distance, especially his late runs around the box, pose a significant threat. Having recently missed a decisive penalty against Tanzania, he will be eager for redemption.

Another significant figure for Uganda is Uche Ikpeazu, an England-born striker with Nigerian heritage who chose to represent Uganda. Ikpeazu opened his scoring account for Uganda with a crucial equalizer against Tanzania. His big, strong, and relentless style thrives on physical duels and aerial battles, making him a formidable challenge for Nigeria's center-backs, especially if rotation occurs. Scoring against Nigeria would be a deeply personal and symbolic moment for him.

Denis Omedi, a 31-year-old former nurse and prison warder, is living a footballing dream and presents a potent attacking threat. His late strike against Tunisia announced his presence on the continental stage, and since breaking into top-flight football in 2023, he has consistently scored goals. Omedi is technically sharp, intelligently attacks space, finishes quickly, and presses defenders with purpose, as demonstrated by his assist for Ikpeazu. Nigeria must carefully track his movement, particularly in broken play scenarios.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has addressed several team concerns ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is a major doubt due to knee pain, having nursed multiple injuries and making an error in the game against Tunisia. Given Nigeria's qualification, Chelle is likely to rest Nwabali, potentially giving Francis Uzoho or Amas Obasogie an opportunity to start. Chelle also confirmed that Victor Osimhen is fully fit despite a slight knock, and Frank Onyeka is dealing with minor ankle pain but it is not serious.

Chelle has defended his squad selection philosophy, emphasizing that team success always takes precedence over individual satisfaction. He hinted at possible rotation, stating that squad management is crucial in tournament football and that every player will have a chance to contribute. His decisions, including substitutions, are based on tactical needs and real-time analysis, always aiming for victory and group cohesion.

Soccernet.ng predicts a rotated Super Eagles lineup for the Uganda clash. Francis Uzoho is tipped to start in goal for his experience. In defense, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem (replacing Semi Ajayi), Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi are expected. The midfield could see Frank Onyeka taking the holding role, partnered by Raphael Onyedika, who is highly rated but has yet to feature in the tournament. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro could play further up, with Chidera Ejuke on the left. Upfront, Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen are projected to lead the line, though their game time may be limited to avoid injury or fatigue.

Raphael Onyedika's absence from previous matches has drawn attention, but Chelle has maintained secrecy around his rotation plans, stressing that many players deserve to feature. Onyedika, known for his calm authority, passing range, physical strength, and intelligent positioning, could finally make his AFCON debut. Other players like Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Cyriel Dessers are also awaiting their first minutes.

Despite being the underdogs, Uganda captain Denis Onyango remains optimistic about his team's chances. He believes "anything is possible in this tournament" and draws hope from Uganda's historical record against Nigeria, which includes four wins in eight previous meetings. The potential for Nigeria to rotate their squad further fuels Uganda's belief in causing an upset.

The match will kick off at 5:00 PM Nigerian time on Tuesday, December 30, and will be broadcast live across various platforms including beIN Sports, SuperSport, NTA Sports 24, and streaming services like TOD and Fubo TV.