Nigeria Set to Knock Uganda Out as Six Countries Exit AFCON 2025

 

Nigeria ready to seal perfect group run as Uganda fight to avoid AFCON 2025 elimination.

Six nations have already crashed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the group stage reaches its defining point and Nigeria prepare for a decisive meeting that could send Uganda home.

 

The early exits have added urgency across several groups, with final-day fixtures set to determine the remaining qualifiers for the knockout rounds. For Nigeria, already safely through with maximum points, the emphasis is now on maintaining momentum, preserving confidence, and potentially delivering a final blow to Uganda’s hopes of staying in the competition.

Comoros, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have all been confirmed as the first casualties of this year’s AFCON. Despite spirited performances in periods, none of the six nations could gather enough points to remain in contention, falling short in what has been one of the most competitive group stages in recent editions. 

Comoros and Zambia finished with just two points apiece in Group A, leaving them unable to match the pace of the group leaders. Zimbabwe and Botswana suffered similar fates in Group B, where inconsistent defending and lack of cutting edge in attack cost them the chance to extend their campaigns. Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, both of whom came into the tournament with expectations of challenging for qualification spots, were undone by early defeats that left them with too much ground to make up.

While those six teams begin their journey home, attention has shifted towards Group C, where Nigeria have dominated with impressive composure. The Super Eagles have secured qualification with two victories from two matches, showcasing an organised defensive structure and clinical finishing in attack. 

Their final group match against Uganda is not a must-win for their own advancement, but the stakes remain high as the result will decide Uganda’s future in the tournament. Uganda, sitting on just one point, must defeat Nigeria to stand any realistic chance of progressing. Anything less would leave them dependent on a combination of results elsewhere, most notably in the game involving Tunisia and Tanzania.

Nigeria’s head coach has already made clear that the team will not approach the match lightly, despite having their place in the Round of 16 guaranteed. The importance of momentum at major tournaments remains significant, and the squad is expected to maintain a competitive mentality. 

Players fighting for starting positions in the knockout rounds will also view this game as an opportunity to prove their readiness. The depth of Nigeria’s squad has been one of their strongest assets, and rotations are likely but without compromising the team’s overall competitiveness.

For Uganda, the scenario is far more complicated. Their campaign has been marked by moments of promise but undermined by lapses that have cost them crucial points. The pressure is immense, as victory against one of the tournament’s strongest sides is the only clear path to survival.

 

Their manager has urged his players to approach the match with belief, highlighting the unpredictable nature of tournament football. However, the mathematics remain stark: if Nigeria win, Uganda will be officially eliminated. Even a draw would significantly damage their prospects, especially with Tunisia looking to capitalise in the group’s other fixture.

As the final rounds of the group stage approach, AFCON 2025 is already shaping into a tournament of tight margins and high-intensity battles. Nigeria’s role in determining Uganda’s fate adds another layer of intrigue, and with six countries already eliminated, the competition is set for even more drama as the race for knockout qualification reaches its conclusion. 

The Super Eagles’ pursuit of sustained form will be closely watched, while Uganda’s desperate fight for survival promises one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the tournament so far.