We’re Ready to Challenge Nigeria, Tunisia at 2025 AFCON, Says Uganda Coach

Uganda head coach, Paul Put, says the Cranes are ready to defy expectations and compete strongly against continental heavyweights, Nigeria and Tunisia when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins in Morocco this December.

Drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania, Uganda face a tough route to the knockout stage, but Put insists his players will not be overawed.

“Nigeria are a perennial powerhouse. There are threats everywhere from their squad, with top talent and European experience,” Put told CAFOnline.com.

“We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves. Ideally, we want to advance. But first, we demand that our performances reflect modern football: balance and full engagement.”

The Belgian tactician, who guided Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final before losing 1–0 to Nigeria, said the Cranes were preparing diligently to prove their growth and competitiveness on the continental stage.

Uganda, making their eighth AFCON appearance and first since 2019, will open their campaign against Tunisia on December 23 before facing Tanzania. They will round off the group stage against Nigeria on December 30 at the Fez Sports Complex.

The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will be seeking a fourth continental title after finishing runners-up to Ivory Coast at the 2023 edition.

Uganda’s best AFCON performance came in 1978 when they reached the final but lost to Ghana.

Ahead of this year’s tournament, the Cranes are scheduled to begin a closed training camp in Morocco next month, followed by series of friendly matches to fine-tune their preparations.