Mansion Sports – The final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage once again presents an intriguing encounter that still carries high tension despite the contrasting situations of both teams.

This match is not only about the result, but also about proving a point, squad rotation, and a final opportunity to preserve hopes in Africa’s premier international tournament.

Nigeria have already secured their position as Group C leaders and will face Uganda in the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage.

The match is scheduled to take place at Fez Stadium on Monday, 23 December 2025, at 17.00 local time.

The Super Eagles recorded victories in their opening two matches and now sit three points clear at the top of the group standings, while the Cranes are bottom of the table with one point due to an inferior goal difference compared to Tanzania in third place.

Before the match begins, here is Mansion Sports’ prediction for the Uganda vs Nigeria lineups December 2025.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Uganda

Far less attention has accompanied Uganda’s absence from next year’s World Cup, and finishing as runners-up in their qualification group can still be considered a respectable achievement.

Since concluding their qualification campaign with a defeat to Algeria, the Cranes have suffered two defeats in their subsequent four matches (W1, D1), including a 3-1 loss to Tunisia in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Competing in the continental finals for the first time since the 2019 edition, Uganda claimed their first point of the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Tanzania on matchday two, although the result felt like two points dropped after Allan Okello missed a penalty in stoppage time.

That outcome left Paul Put’s side with just one victory from their last 10 Africa Cup of Nations matches (D3, L6), and they now face the prospect of a group-stage exit for the fifth time in eight tournament appearances, making victory on Tuesday crucial.

A relatively strong head-to-head record against Nigeria could provide a confidence boost, with Uganda winning four of the last eight meetings between the two teams (D2, L2).

They will look to build on that record while recognizing that qualification as one of the best third-placed teams remains possible, even though a runner-up finish appears unlikely.

Nigeria

Death, taxes, and Nigeria being forced to work hard for what appears to be a routine victory were once again evident as the Super Eagles had to withstand pressure to secure a 3-2 win over Tunisia after leading by three goals.

A dominant display for much of the match saw Éric Chelle’s side take the lead through goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman, but a 74th-minute header from Monastir Talbi and a penalty by Ali Al-Abdi gave the North African side hope, nearly completing a dramatic comeback in stoppage time.

The result once again highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Nigeria at either end of the pitch, having now scored and conceded in seven of their last eight matches, including a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the tournament opener.

The Super Eagles have now recorded seven wins from their last 10 matches, with the latest result also extending their impressive Africa Cup of Nations group-stage record to seven victories from nine matches (D1, L1).

Despite already securing qualification for the knockout phase for a 16th consecutive appearance and confirming their status as Group C winners, Nigeria remain eager to assert themselves as one of the tournament favorites with a win on Tuesday night.

The three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions are still pursuing their first continental title since 2013, and a positive result in this match could slightly ease the disappointment of losing the previous edition’s final and failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Uganda vs Nigeria Lineups December 2025

Uganda (4-3-3)

Uganda emerged from the draw against Tanzania without any new issues, leaving head coach Paul Put with a fully fit squad and renewed options to rotate his lineup.

The 69-year-old coach made five changes to the starting eleven on matchday two, including in goal, where Jamal Salim was dropped in favor of veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who could be trusted again.

Having Nigerian heritage, Uche Ikpeazu is in contention to start on Tuesday after scoring the equalizer against Tanzania in the previous match.

Nigeria (4-4-2)

Meanwhile, Éric Chelle made two changes to the Super Eagles lineup in the second match, with Bruno Onyemaechi replacing Zaidu Sanusi at left-back, and Frank Onyeka selected in midfield in place of Samuel Chukwueze, with both players likely to retain their places.

Osimhen opened his scoring account at the tournament in the previous match, Ndidi scored his first goal for the Nigerian national team, while Lookman found the net in consecutive Africa Cup of Nations matches.

With qualification to the knockout stage already secured, it would not be surprising to see players such as Chidera Ejuke, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, and other squad members receive increased playing time.

This match still holds significance for both teams, whether as a platform for proving themselves or an opportunity to adjust strategies ahead of the knockout phase.

With the selected player compositions, this fixture serves as a group-stage finale that remains worth anticipating until the final whistle.