Uganda vs Nigeria: Chelle to ring the changes, rest the big boys

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play their final group match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 2025 in Morocco, facing the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday. Uganda have all to play for- a win would likely aid qualification as one of four best third-placed nations, it is a dead-rubber match for the […]

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play their final group match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 2025 in Morocco, facing the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday.

Uganda have all to play for- a win would likely aid qualification as one of four best third-placed nations, it is a dead-rubber match for the three-time AFCON winners.

After edging Tanzania 2-1 and a gutsy 3-2 triumph over Tunisia, Nigeria will finish top of Group C.

The match against Uganda gives Chelle the opportunity to ring the changes. It is a chance to give minutes to untested newcomers, and allow redemption for some established professionals.
In goal, Francis Uzoho should be given another shot to redeem himself. The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper has carried the burden of costly errors, including one that led to Nigeria missing the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and needs another shot to prove he can replicate his impressive performances in the UEFA Conference League.

A compensation for being the first player to arrive camp for AFCON preparations is also not out of order.

Paul Onuachu should be set to start his first AFCON match since 2019 when he played 73 minutes of Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Burundi.

The 6.7ft lanky striker has made only five substitute since, and should be trusted to deputize for Osimhen whom he shares similar attributes with, and has outscored in the Turkish Super Lig- 11 goals to Osimhen’s six- this season.
In defence.

Ryan Alebiosu should be handed his first international cap to make a case for the right-back position. The Blackburn Rovers players has been a starter at the Championship club since he joined in the summer before Nigeria came calling.
Raphael Onyedika and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro should also be considered for midfield duties.

The former is known for his passing range and ability to control matches but sparingly features for Nigeria, while Akinsanmiro is a future prospect known for energetic, box-to-box attributes.
These, and perhaps more changes, are expected when Nigeria face Uganda at the Fez stadium, and the performance of the supporting cast- not the outcome of the match- should be the major takeaway at the end of 90 minutes.