AFCON 2025: Osimhen Starts, Lookman Rested in Eric Chelle’s XI to Face Uganda
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup for the final Group C game against Uganda
- Chelle expectedly rested some key players to manage their workload and give playing time to fringe players
- Nigeria is through to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after winning their opening two matches
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup to face the Cranes of Uganda in the final group game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will face the East African team at Complexe Sportif de Fes at 5 pm, while the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will lock horns with the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Rabat simultaneously.
Source: Getty Images
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup to face the Cranes of Uganda in the final group game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will face the East African team at Complexe Sportif de Fes at 5 pm, while the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will lock horns with the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Rabat simultaneously.
As noted by NFF, the Super Eagles are through to the next round and need at least a draw to confirm their spot as Group C winners, while other teams still have a chance to make it to the round of 16.
Chelle announces Super Eagles XI
As seen on Super Eagles' official X page, Chelle confirmed his XI to face Uganda and opted to rotate his squad for the final group match.
The rotation is to refresh some key players and help others avoid suspension ahead of the knockout stage, while giving playing time to other players.
Victor Osimhen unexpectedly starts and captains the team with Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi, the other players who started against Tunisia to keep their spots.
Raphael Onyedika, whom fans have been clamouring for to start, has his chance in midfield, while there is no place for Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.
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Osimhen, Lookman, other Super Eagles stars at risk of suspension for AFCON 2025 Round of 16
The Franco-Malian manager hands Super Eagles debut to Ryan Alebiosu while Igoh Ogbu earns his first start at a major tournament for Nigeria.
Full XI: Francis Uzoho; Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze; Paul Onuachu, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon.
Source: Getty Images
As noted by Al Jazeera, Uganda's head coach Paul Put opted to refresh his squad as well, giving Nigerian descent Uche Ikpeazu his full debut as the Cranes chase a win against the Super Eagles.
The Saint Johnstone forward relished the possibility of facing his fatherland, and has now been handed the opportunity to become a hero for Uganda.
Full XI: Denis Onyango; Kenneth Semakula, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Andy Aziizi Kayondo; Bobosi, Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Baba Alhassan; Denis Omedi, Uche Ikpeazu, Rogers Mato
Where to watch Uganda vs Nigeria
Legit.ng reported the TV stations and streaming platforms to watch Uganda vs Nigeria’s encounter in the final Group C match at AFCON 2025.
Nigerians can catch the matches on DStv's dedicated SuperSport channels 202, 204, 252 and 254, while Francophone countries should tune in to Canal+ Afrique.
Source: Legit.ng
