Uganda faces a formidable challenge in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after being drawn into Group C alongside African football powerhouses Nigeria, Tunisia, and regional rivals Tanzania.
The draw, held at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, and broadcast live on NBS Sport last night, has set the stage for thrilling encounters in the continent’s premier football competition, which kicks off on December 21.
Group C is undoubtedly one of the tournament’s toughest yet interesting, featuring teams with a rich history in African football.
Nigeria and Tunisia bring decades of AFCON experience and success, while Tanzania poses a familiar regional threat to the Cranes.
The Super Eagles’ Continental Legacy
Nigeria enters the 2025 AFCON as three-time champions and one of the most decorated teams in the competition’s history.
With titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, as well as five runner-up finishes and eight bronze medals, the Super Eagles boast an unparalleled record of consistency.
Their journey in the previous edition played in 2024 saw them reach the final, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Under the guidance of Eric Sekou Chelle, the fourth coach they’ve appointed since that dark night in Abidjan, Nigeria are aiming for redemption in Morocco.
Key players such as Napoli striker Victor Osimhen (currently on loan at Galatasaray), Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and captain William Troost-Ekong will lead their charge for a fourth continental title.
Nigeria’s wealth of talent, physicality, and tactical discipline make them the favourites in Group C.
Uganda has had memorable encounters with Nigeria in the past, including a famous 2-1 victory during the 1978 AFCON in Ghana, where, of course Phillip Omondi scored the winning goal.
However, Nigeria has historically been a tough opponent, and Uganda will need to bring their A-game to match the Super Eagles’ pedigree.
Tunisia: The Consistent Contender
Tunisia, another AFCON heavyweight, brings immense experience to Group C.
With 21 appearances at the tournament, the Eagles of Carthage have the record for the most consecutive participations, dating back to 1994.
Tunisia’s crowning moment came in 2004 when they won the title on home soil, defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final.
While the North African nation failed to progress beyond the group stage in the 2023 edition, they remain a formidable force, known for their disciplined defense and organised style of play.
Players like Youssef Msakni, who has made a record 29 AFCON appearances and 102 total caps for Tunisia, and emerging stars like Ali Youssef will be key to their campaign in Morocco.
Tunisia’s history with Nigeria adds intrigue to Group C. The Carthage Eagles eliminated Nigeria in the round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON, a match Nigeria will not have forgotten.
Uganda will also remember Tunisia from the 1962 tournament, where the Carthage Eagles secured a 3-0 win in the third-place playoff.
Tanzania: A Regional Rivalry Renewed
Uganda’s clash with Tanzania promises to be one of the most fiery encounters in Group C, fueled by a storied football rivalry between the two East African neighbours.
The two nations have faced each other 12 times in AFCON qualifiers, Uganda edging the head-to-head record with five wins to Tanzania’s four, while three matches ended in draws.
Tanzania, who will be making only their fourth AFCON appearance, previously featured in the 1980, 2019, and 2023 editions.
In the most recent tournament, the Taifa Stars were eliminated in the group stage but gained valuable experience that could prove vital this time.
The Uganda-Tanzania rivalry remains evenly balanced, as highlighted by their most recent encounters in the AFCON 2023 qualifiers, where each side secured a 1-0 victory.
Notably, Tanzania’s qualification for AFCON 2023 came at Uganda’s expense, with the Taifa Stars holding Algeria to a crucial 0-0 draw to secure their place, while Uganda narrowly missed out despite a 2-0 win over Niger.
Adding further intrigue to this clash is the fact that Uganda and Tanzania will co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya, which ties future significance to this rivalry.
Group C: The Stage is Set
With the Uganda Cranes, Super Eagles, and Eagles of Carthage all ready to fly, and the Taifa Stars primed to shine, Group C promises to deliver thrilling action.
The AFCON 2025 group stage will follow a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages, together with he four best third-placed teams.
The Cranes will be making their eighth AFCON appearance, returning to the tournament after last featuring in 2019, where they reached the round of 16.
Uganda, whose best AFCON performance was a runners-up finish in the 1978 edition, where they narrowly lost 2-0 to Ghana in the final, will aim to make this year’s tournament a memorable one.
